176

To examine the signs of animals to distinguish between Kosher and non-kosher

The Luchos - Ten Commandments
דַּבְּר֛וּ אֶל־בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לֵאמֹ֑ר זֹ֤את הַֽחַיָּה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תֹּאכְל֔וּ מִכׇּל־הַבְּהֵמָ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר עַל־הָאָֽרֶץ׃ - פָּרָשַׁת שְּׁמִינִי
Leviticus 11:2 - "Speak to the children of Israel, saying: These are the creatures that you may eat among all the animals on earth:"

This Mitzvah's Summary

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

We are commanded to identify and distinguish between kosher and non-kosher animals.

This mitzvah requires examining the physical signs of animals to determine whether they are permitted for consumption. The Torah specifies two signs for kosher animals: chewing the cud and having split hooves. By studying these traits, we fulfill the obligation to distinguish between pure and impure species. This mitzvah reinforces Israel’s sanctity, teaching awareness in eating and elevating the act of nourishment into one of holiness.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

  • Rambam (Hilchot Ma’achalot Asurot 1:1): Codifies the obligation to recognize the signs of kosher animals and eat only from those permitted.
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 153): The root is to instill self-control and spiritual mindfulness, even in the physical act of eating, separating Israel from impurity.
  • Talmud (Chullin 59a): Details the signs of kosher species and emphasizes that one who studies them fulfills a positive commandment.
(Source: Chabad.org)

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Holiness - קְדֻשָּׁה

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Between a person and G-d - בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם

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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 — acts rooted in divine connection rather than human interaction.

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