179

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

The Luchos - Ten Commandments
אַ֤ךְ אֶת־זֶה֙ תֹּֽאכְל֔וּ מִכֹּל֙ שֶׁ֣רֶץ הָע֔וֹף הַהֹלֵ֖ךְ עַל־אַרְבַּ֑ע אֲשֶׁר־[ל֤וֹ] (לא) כְרָעַ֙יִם֙ מִמַּ֣עַל לְרַגְלָ֔יו לְנַתֵּ֥ר בָּהֵ֖ן עַל־הָאָֽרֶץ׃ - פָּרָשַׁת שְּׁמִינִי
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.
(Source: Chabad.org)

Applying this Mitzvah Today

Notes on this Mitzvah's Fundamentals

This Mitzvah's Fundamental Badges

Holiness - קְדֻשָּׁה

Information Icon

Represents the concept of  spiritual intentionality, purity, and sanctity—set apart for a higher purpose.

View Badge →

Faith - אֱמוּנָה

Information Icon

Represents Emunah—the deep, inner trust in Hashem’s presence, oneness, and constant involvement in our lives. This badge symbolizes a heartfelt connection to G-d, rooted in belief even when we cannot see. It is the emotional and spiritual core of many mitzvot.

View Badge →

Between a person and G-d - בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם

Information Icon

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.

View Badge →
Mitzvah Minute
Mitzvah Minute Logo

Learn more.

Dive into mitzvot, prayer, and Torah study—each section curated to help you learn, reflect, and live with intention. New insights are added regularly, creating an evolving space for spiritual growth.

Luchos
Live a commandment-driven life

Mitzvah

Explore the 613 mitzvot and uncover the meaning behind each one. Discover practical ways to integrate them into your daily life with insights, sources, and guided reflection.

Learn more

Mitzvah #

413

A permanent or temporary [non-Jewish] hired worker must not eat from it
The Luchos - Ten Commandments
Learn this Mitzvah

Mitzvah Highlight

Siddur
Connection through Davening

Tefillah

Learn the structure, depth, and spiritual intent behind Jewish prayer. Dive into morning blessings, Shema, Amidah, and more—with tools to enrich your daily connection.

Learn more

Tefillah

Tefillah sub-header
A Siddur
Learn this Tefillah

Tefillah Focus

A Sefer Torah
Study the weekly Torah portion

Parsha

Each week’s parsha offers timeless wisdom and modern relevance. Explore summaries, key themes, and mitzvah connections to deepen your understanding of the Torah cycle.

Learn more

וְזֹאת הַבְּרָכָה - V'Zot HaBerachah

Haftarah: Joshua, 1:1–18
A Sefer Torah
Learn this Parsha

Weekly Parsha