185

Not to eat non-kosher maggots

The Luchos - Ten Commandments

This page is incomplete.
Help complete the
Mitzvah Minute website.

Mitzvah Minute Logo Icon
כִּ֣י אֲנִ֣י יְהֹוָה֮ אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶם֒ וְהִתְקַדִּשְׁתֶּם֙ וִהְיִיתֶ֣ם קְדֹשִׁ֔ים כִּ֥י קָד֖וֹשׁ אָ֑נִי וְלֹ֤א תְטַמְּאוּ֙ אֶת־נַפְשֹׁ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם בְּכׇל־הַשֶּׁ֖רֶץ הָרֹמֵ֥שׂ עַל־הָאָֽרֶץ׃ - פָּרָשַׁת שְּׁמִינִי
Leviticus 11:44 - "For I am the Lord your God, and you shall sanctify yourselves and be holy, because I am holy, and you shall not defile yourselves through any creeping creature that crawls on the ground."

This Mitzvah's Summary

מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Kashrut – כַּשְׁרוּת

Forbidden to eat maggots, worms, and similar tiny creatures.

This mitzvah prohibits eating maggots, worms, and similar small crawling creatures, whether found in food, water, or the ground. These species are considered repulsive and spiritually contaminating. The Torah stresses holiness even in the smallest details of diet, requiring vigilance to avoid consuming such organisms, whether intentionally or by carelessness.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

  • Rambam (Hilchot Ma’achalot Asurot 2:30): Explains that maggots and worms that emerge from decaying matter are included in this prohibition once they have left their source.
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 162): The root is to instill refinement and holiness, preventing Israel from eating lowly and revolting foods that damage spiritual sensitivity.
  • Talmud (Chullin 67b): Details the laws of worms and maggots, distinguishing when they are considered prohibited.
(Source: Chabad.org)

Applying this Mitzvah Today

This Mitzvah's Divrei Torah

No connecting Divrei Torah yet.

Notes on this Mitzvah's Fundamentals

This Mitzvah's Fundamental Badges

Holiness - קְדֻשָּׁה

Information Icon

Represents the concept of  spiritual intentionality, purity, and sanctity—set apart for a higher purpose.

View Badge →

Faith - אֱמוּנָה

Information Icon

Represents Emunah—the deep, inner trust in Hashem’s presence, oneness, and constant involvement in our lives. This badge symbolizes a heartfelt connection to G-d, rooted in belief even when we cannot see. It is the emotional and spiritual core of many mitzvot.

View Badge →

Community – קְהִלָּה

Information Icon

Mitzvot that strengthen communal life — showing up, participating, supporting, and belonging. Community is where holiness is shared, prayers are multiplied, and responsibility becomes collective.

View Badge →

Between a person and G-d - בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם

Information Icon

Mitzvot that define and deepen the relationship between a person and their Creator. These include commandments involving belief, prayer, Shabbat, festivals, sacrifices, and personal holiness — expressions of devotion rooted in divine connection.

View Badge →
Mitzvah Minute
Mitzvah Minute Logo

Learn more.

Dive into mitzvot, prayer, and Torah study—each section curated to help you learn, reflect, and live with intention. New insights are added regularly, creating an evolving space for spiritual growth.

Luchos
Live a commandment-driven life

Mitzvah

Explore the 613 mitzvot and uncover the meaning behind each one. Discover practical ways to integrate them into your daily life with insights, sources, and guided reflection.

Learn more

Mitzvah #

1

To know there is a G‑d
The Luchos - Ten Commandments
Learn this Mitzvah

Mitzvah Highlight

Siddur
Connection through Davening

Tefillah

Learn the structure, depth, and spiritual intent behind Jewish prayer. Dive into morning blessings, Shema, Amidah, and more—with tools to enrich your daily connection.

Learn more

Tefillah

Tefillah sub-header
A Siddur
Learn this Tefillah

Tefillah Focus

A Sefer Torah
Study the weekly Torah portion

Parsha

Each week’s parsha offers timeless wisdom and modern relevance. Explore summaries, key themes, and mitzvah connections to deepen your understanding of the Torah cycle.

Learn more

תּוֹלְדוֹת – Toldot

Haftarah: Malachi 1:1 - 2:7
A Sefer Torah
Learn this Parsha

Weekly Parsha