Mitzvah —
234
Not to plant diverse seeds together
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אֶֽת־חֻקֹּתַי֮ תִּשְׁמֹ֒רוּ֒ בְּהֶמְתְּךָ֙ לֹא־תַרְבִּ֣יעַ כִּלְאַ֔יִם שָׂדְךָ֖ לֹא־תִזְרַ֣ע כִּלְאָ֑יִם וּבֶ֤גֶד כִּלְאַ֙יִם֙ שַֽׁעַטְנֵ֔ז לֹ֥א יַעֲלֶ֖ה עָלֶֽיךָ׃ - פָּרָשַׁת קְדשִׁים
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Leviticus 19:19 - "You shall observe My statutes: You shall not crossbreed your livestock with different species. You shall not sow your field with a mixture of seeds, and a garment which has a mixture of shaatnez shall not come upon you."
This Mitzvah's Summary
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Agriculture – חַקְלָאוּת
It is forbidden to sow a field with different species of seeds mixed together.
This mitzvah prohibits planting diverse seeds together, a category known as kilayim. The Torah commands agricultural separation, preserving natural distinctions established by Hashem in creation.
The mitzvah applies specifically in Eretz Yisrael and is one of several prohibitions against mixing categories — including animals, plants, and garments (shatnez). It instills respect for Divine boundaries in nature and teaches that holiness comes through distinction and order.
Commentary & Classical Explanation:
- Rambam (Hilchot Kilayim 1:1): Lists sowing mixed seeds as one of the three primary forms of kilayim (seeds, animals, garments).
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 244): Explains that the root of the mitzvah is to preserve creation’s natural categories and prevent confusion in agriculture.
- Talmud (Kiddushin 39a): Notes that agricultural kilayim applies uniquely in the Land of Israel, reinforcing the land’s sanctity.
- Rashi (Leviticus 19:19): Interprets the law as a decree of Hashem (chok), reminding us to respect Divine boundaries even if the reason is not fully understood.
Commentaries
(Source: Chabad.org)
Applying this Mitzvah Today
Notes on this Mitzvah's Fundamentals
Faith – אֱמוּנָה
- Rashi (Leviticus 19:19) explains that kilayim is a chok (decree without revealed rationale). Faith is expressed by obeying even when the reason is not apparent, trusting Hashem’s wisdom in commanding agricultural boundaries.
Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 244) teaches that distinctions in nature maintain spiritual order. By observing kilayim, we sanctify the land and elevate farming into holiness by respecting Divine separations.
Agriculture – חַקְלָאוּת
- Rambam (Hilchot Kilayim 1:1) identifies mixed sowing as a primary form of kilayim. This mitzvah regulates farming practices, preserving agricultural purity as part of the Torah’s vision for the land.
Kilayim – כִּלְאַיִם
- Talmud (Kiddushin 39a) rules that agricultural kilayim applies uniquely in Eretz Yisrael. The mitzvah reinforces the seriousness of mixing seeds and the special agricultural sanctity of the land.
Eretz Yisrael – אֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל
- The agricultural prohibition applies only in Israel, highlighting that the land itself carries sanctity. Observing kilayim demonstrates respect for Eretz Yisrael as Hashem’s chosen land with unique laws.
Bein Adam L’Makom – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם
- Ultimately, this mitzvah is about obedience to Hashem’s boundaries in creation. It is not interpersonal but directed to G-d, showing loyalty and reverence in how we use the land.
