Mitzvah —
178
To examine the signs of fish to distinguish between kosher and non-kosher
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אֶת־זֶה֙ תֹּֽאכְל֔וּ מִכֹּ֖ל אֲשֶׁ֣ר בַּמָּ֑יִם כֹּ֣ל אֲשֶׁר־לוֹ֩ סְנַפִּ֨יר וְקַשְׂקֶ֜שֶׂת בַּמַּ֗יִם בַּיַּמִּ֛ים וּבַנְּחָלִ֖ים אֹתָ֥ם תֹּאכֵֽלוּ׃ - פָּרָשַׁת שְּׁמִינִי
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Leviticus 11:9 - "Among all [creatures] that are in the water, you may eat these: Any [of the creatures] in the water that has fins and scales, those you may eat, whether [it lives] in the waters, in the seas or in the rivers."
This Mitzvah's Summary
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Kashrut – כַּשְׁרוּת
We are commanded to identify kosher fish by the signs of fins and scales.
This mitzvah requires distinguishing between kosher and non-kosher fish. The Torah provides two clear signs: kosher fish must have both fins and scales. Any fish lacking either of these is forbidden. The clarity of this mitzvah demonstrates Hashem’s kindness, making it simple to identify permissible species. Through this examination, Jews remain mindful of holiness even in the act of eating.
Commentary & Classical Explanation:
- Rambam (Hilchot Ma’achalot Asurot 1:24): Codifies that only fish with both fins and scales are permitted, and notes that any fish with scales is assumed to also have fins.
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 155): The root is to discipline the Jew to avoid impurity and cultivate holiness through conscious dietary practice.
- Talmud (Chullin 66b): States that all fish with scales necessarily have fins, making the presence of scales the primary identifying sign.
Commentaries
(Source: Chabad.org)
