Not to work different animals together

Faith – אֱמוּנָה

• Rashi (Deuteronomy 22:10) explains this prohibition as a Divine command (chok). Faith means obeying Hashem’s decrees even when the reason is not obvious, trusting that His wisdom sets the right boundaries.

Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה

• Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 550) notes that avoiding kilayim in labor preserves distinctions in creation, elevating even mundane farm work into an act of holiness.

Animals – בְּהֵמוֹת

• Rambam (Hilchot Kilayim 9:7) rules that the prohibition applies to all forms of work with two species yoked together, not just plowing. The mitzvah directly concerns how animals are treated and used.

Kilayim – כִּלְאַיִם

• Talmud (Bava Metzia 90b) expands this mitzvah into the broader framework of kilayim — forbidden mixtures — teaching us to respect the natural distinctions established by Hashem.

Compassion – רַחֲמִים

• Sefer HaChinuch emphasizes that this law prevents animal suffering (tza’ar ba’alei chayim). An ox and donkey have different strengths and temperaments, so yoking them together causes stress and cruelty.

Justice – צֶדֶק

• Justice here means fairness in labor. Just as we must not exploit workers, the Torah commands us to avoid unjust treatment of animals by forcing them into unequal partnerships.

Bein Adam L’Makom – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם

• The mitzvah reflects loyalty to Hashem’s will. Respecting natural distinctions is a form of service to G-d, reminding us that boundaries in creation are sacred.

Bein Adam L’Chavero – בֵּין אָדָם לַחֲבֵרוֹ

• Compassion cultivated through this mitzvah extends to human relationships. As Sefer HaChinuch notes, the Torah trains our middot (character) so that mercy toward animals shapes how we treat people as well.