share torah logo

Deuteronomy 14:5 - Which kosher animals roam free?

Deuteronomy 14:5 - דברים 14:5

Hebrew Text

אַיָּל וּצְבִי וְיַחְמוּר וְאַקּוֹ וְדִישֹׁן וּתְאוֹ וָזָמֶר׃

English Translation

the deer, and the gazelle, and the fallow deer, and the wild goat, and the adax, and the bison, and the wild sheep.

Transliteration

Ayal utzvi veyachmur ve'ako vedishon uteo vazamer.

Hebrew Leining Text

אַיָּ֥ל וּצְבִ֖י וְיַחְמ֑וּר וְאַקּ֥וֹ וְדִישֹׁ֖ן וּתְא֥וֹ וָזָֽמֶר׃
אַיָּ֥ל וּצְבִ֖י וְיַחְמ֑וּר וְאַקּ֥וֹ וְדִישֹׁ֖ן וּתְא֥וֹ וָזָֽמֶר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Interpretation of the Verse from Deuteronomy 14:5

The verse lists seven species of kosher animals that are permitted for consumption according to Jewish law. The Torah specifies these animals to distinguish between what is permitted (kosher) and what is forbidden (non-kosher). Below is an analysis based on traditional Orthodox Jewish sources:

Identification of the Animals

  • אַיָּל (Ayal) – Deer: Rashi (Devarim 14:5) identifies this as the common deer, known for its agility and grace. The Talmud (Chullin 59b) discusses its kosher signs, including split hooves and chewing the cud.
  • וּצְבִי (Tzvi) – Gazelle: Rambam (Hilchot Ma'achalot Asurot 1:3) explains that this refers to a swift, antelope-like animal. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 12:1) compares the righteous to the gazelle for its purity and swiftness in performing mitzvot.
  • וְיַחְמוּר (Yachmur) – Fallow Deer: The Talmud (Chullin 59b) identifies this as a type of deer with branching antlers. The Aruch HaShulchan (Yoreh De'ah 80:1) notes its kosher status based on its physical traits.
  • וְאַקּוֹ (Ako) – Wild Goat: Rashi (Devarim 14:5) associates this with the ibex, a mountain-dwelling goat. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 80:1) confirms its kosher status.
  • וְדִישֹׁן (Dishon) – Adax: The Talmud (Chullin 59b) debates its exact identity but concludes it is a kosher species. The Ramban (Devarim 14:5) suggests it may resemble a large antelope.
  • וּתְאוֹ (Te'o) – Bison: Some commentators, like the Ibn Ezra (Devarim 14:5), identify this as a wild ox. The Mishnah (Kilayim 8:6) mentions its strength and kosher status.
  • וָזָמֶר (Zamer) – Wild Sheep: Rashi (Devarim 14:5) links this to the mouflon, a wild sheep. The Gemara (Chullin 80a) discusses its kosher characteristics.

Halachic Significance

The Torah enumerates these species to emphasize that only animals with split hooves and that chew their cud (as per Vayikra 11:3) are permitted. The Talmud (Chullin 59a) derives from this list that any animal possessing these two signs is kosher, even if not explicitly named. The Rambam (Hilchot Ma'achalot Asurot 1:2) codifies this principle, ensuring clarity in halachic practice.

Symbolic Meaning

Midrash Tanchuma (Shemini 6) teaches that kosher animals represent moral lessons. For example, the deer’s swiftness symbolizes the urgency of repentance, while the gazelle’s purity reflects ethical behavior. The Sforno (Devarim 14:5) adds that permitted animals are naturally gentle, reinforcing the Torah’s emphasis on compassion.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 59b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the characteristics of kosher animals, specifically regarding the identification of the 'wild goat' (yaḥmur) and other animals listed in the verse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the animals listed in Deuteronomy 14:5?
A: Deuteronomy 14:5 lists kosher animals that are permitted for consumption according to Jewish law (halacha). These animals meet the Torah's criteria for being kosher: they have split hooves and chew their cud (Deuteronomy 14:6). The verse specifies certain species to clarify which animals are included in this category.
Q: Why does the Torah specify different types of kosher animals?
A: The Torah specifies different types of kosher animals to provide clarity and prevent confusion. Rashi explains that some animals may resemble non-kosher species, so the Torah lists them explicitly to ensure proper observance of kashrut (Jewish dietary laws). This helps Jews identify which animals are permitted for consumption.
Q: How do we identify these animals today?
A: Identifying these animals today requires knowledge of zoology and traditional Jewish sources. The Rambam (Hilchot Ma'achalot Asurot 1:3) discusses the signs of kosher animals, and contemporary rabbis rely on mesorah (transmitted tradition) to confirm which species match the Torah's descriptions. Not all names in the Torah correspond directly to modern animal classifications.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the detailed kosher laws in this verse?
A: The detailed kosher laws teach us the importance of mindfulness in our daily actions. The Talmud (Chullin 59a) explains that Hashem gave us these laws to refine our character and elevate mundane activities like eating into spiritual experiences. By following kashrut, we connect to holiness in every aspect of life.
Q: Are all the animals in Deuteronomy 14:5 still available today?
A: Some of the animals listed may be extinct or difficult to identify with certainty today. Jewish tradition (based on the Talmud and later authorities) maintains that we only consume animals with a clear mesorah (tradition) of being kosher. For example, while deer and gazelle are still eaten by some communities, others like the 'adax' or 'wild sheep' require careful verification.