Mitzvah —
179
To examine the signs of locusts to distinguish between kosher and non-kosher
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אַ֤ךְ אֶת־זֶה֙ תֹּֽאכְל֔וּ מִכֹּל֙ שֶׁ֣רֶץ הָע֔וֹף הַהֹלֵ֖ךְ עַל־אַרְבַּ֑ע אֲשֶׁר־[ל֤וֹ] (לא) כְרָעַ֙יִם֙ מִמַּ֣עַל לְרַגְלָ֔יו לְנַתֵּ֥ר בָּהֵ֖ן עַל־הָאָֽרֶץ׃ - פָּרָשַׁת שְּׁמִינִי
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Leviticus 11:21 - "However, among all the flying insects that walk on four [legs], you may eat [from] those that have jointed [leg like] extensions above its [regular] legs, with which they hop on the ground."
This Mitzvah's Summary
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Kashrut – כַּשְׁרוּת
Commanded to identify kosher locust species by their distinct signs.
This mitzvah requires distinguishing between kosher and non-kosher species of locusts and similar winged insects. The Torah permits only certain types that possess specific identifying signs: four legs, four wings, two additional jointed legs for jumping, and wings covering most of the body. These locusts were traditionally eaten by some Jewish communities. The mitzvah demonstrates that the Torah’s dietary laws extend even to the smallest creatures, emphasizing holiness in every detail of life.
Commentary & Classical Explanation:
- Rambam (Hilchot Ma’achalot Asurot 1:21): Defines the physical signs that make a locust kosher, stressing the importance of tradition (mesorah) in identifying permitted species.
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 156): The root is to discipline Israel to be discerning even with seemingly minor details of food, cultivating mindfulness of holiness.
- Talmud (Chullin 59a, 65b): Discusses the kosher signs of locusts and the reliance on tradition to determine which species are permissible.
Commentaries
(Source: Chabad.org)
