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Leviticus 11:46 - Divine dietary laws revealed.

Leviticus 11:46 - ויקרא 11:46

Hebrew Text

זֹאת תּוֹרַת הַבְּהֵמָה וְהָעוֹף וְכֹל נֶפֶשׁ הַחַיָּה הָרֹמֶשֶׂת בַּמָּיִם וּלְכָל־נֶפֶשׁ הַשֹּׁרֶצֶת עַל־הָאָרֶץ׃

English Translation

This is the Tora of the beasts, and of the birds, and of every living creature that moves in the waters, and of every creature that creeps on the earth:

Transliteration

Zot torat habehemah veha'of vekhol nefesh hachayah haromeset bamayim ulkhol-nefesh hashoretzet al-ha'aretz.

Hebrew Leining Text

זֹ֣את תּוֹרַ֤ת הַבְּהֵמָה֙ וְהָע֔וֹף וְכֹל֙ נֶ֣פֶשׁ הַֽחַיָּ֔ה הָרֹמֶ֖שֶׂת בַּמָּ֑יִם וּלְכׇל־נֶ֖פֶשׁ הַשֹּׁרֶ֥צֶת עַל־הָאָֽרֶץ׃
זֹ֣את תּוֹרַ֤ת הַבְּהֵמָה֙ וְהָע֔וֹף וְכֹל֙ נֶ֣פֶשׁ הַֽחַיָּ֔ה הָרֹמֶ֖שֶׂת בַּמָּ֑יִם וּלְכׇל־נֶ֖פֶשׁ הַשֹּׁרֶ֥צֶת עַל־הָאָֽרֶץ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in Vayikra (Leviticus)

The verse (Vayikra 11:46) appears at the conclusion of the Torah's detailed laws concerning kosher and non-kosher animals, birds, fish, and creeping creatures. Rashi explains that this verse serves as a summary statement, emphasizing that these laws are not arbitrary but constitute a divine "Torah" (תּוֹרָה)—a structured system of halacha given by Hashem.

The Term "Torah" in This Context

The Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that the use of the word "Torah" here is significant. While often associated with broader teachings, in this context, it refers to the specific chukim (statutes) governing permissible and forbidden creatures. The Sforno adds that this underscores the idea that even laws that may seem beyond human comprehension are part of a divine wisdom meant to sanctify Bnei Yisrael.

Classification of Living Creatures

  • Beasts (בְּהֵמָה): Refers to land animals, subject to the signs of kashrut (split hooves and chewing cud).
  • Birds (עוֹף): While the Torah does not list signs for birds, the Gemara (Chullin 59a) derives permitted species based on tradition and identifying characteristics of non-kosher birds.
  • Water Creatures (נֶפֶשׁ הַחַיָּה הָרֹמֶשֶׂת בַּמָּיִם): Permitted only if they have fins and scales (Vayikra 11:9).
  • Creeping Creatures (נֶפֶשׁ הַשֹּׁרֶצֶת עַל־הָאָרֶץ): Generally forbidden, with exceptions like certain types of locusts (based on signs in Chullin 59a).

Spiritual Purpose of Kashrut Laws

The Rambam (Hilchot Ma'achalot Asurot 17:26) teaches that these laws refine a person's character by instilling discipline and distancing one from coarse behaviors. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 73) further explains that consuming non-kosher species negatively affects the soul's purity, as physical intake influences spiritual stature.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 13:3) connects this verse to the idea that adherence to kashrut elevates a person, drawing a parallel to the angels who "do not defile themselves" with improper sustenance. By following these laws, Klal Yisrael emulates the kedusha (holiness) of higher spiritual realms.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'This is the Tora of the beasts' mean in Leviticus 11:46?
A: The phrase 'Tora of the beasts' refers to the laws of kashrut (dietary laws) given in the Torah regarding which animals, birds, fish, and creeping creatures are permitted or forbidden to eat. Rashi explains that this verse summarizes the detailed laws mentioned earlier in the chapter about clean and unclean animals.
Q: Why is Leviticus 11:46 important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it emphasizes that the dietary laws are an integral part of Torah observance. The Rambam (Hilchot Ma'achalot Asurot) teaches that these laws help refine a person's character and connect them to Hashem by exercising self-control in what we consume.
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 11:46 today?
A: We learn that Judaism views eating as a spiritual act, not just a physical one. The Talmud (Chullin 67b) discusses how these laws remind us to be mindful in all aspects of life, elevating even mundane activities like eating into opportunities for holiness.
Q: How does Leviticus 11:46 apply to keeping kosher today?
A: This verse forms the biblical basis for the detailed kosher laws observed today. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah) elaborates on these principles, showing how they apply to modern food preparation, including checking for signs of kosher status in animals and separating meat and dairy.
Q: What does 'every living creature that moves in the waters' refer to?
A: This refers to the kosher signs for fish mentioned earlier in the chapter (Leviticus 11:9-12). According to halacha, only fish with both fins and scales are permitted. The Talmud (Niddah 51b) discusses how to properly identify these signs.