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Leviticus 11:10 - Unkosher sea creatures forbidden

Leviticus 11:10 - ויקרא 11:10

Hebrew Text

וְכֹל אֲשֶׁר אֵין־לוֹ סְנַפִּיר וְקַשְׂקֶשֶׂת בַּיַּמִּים וּבַנְּחָלִים מִכֹּל שֶׁרֶץ הַמַּיִם וּמִכֹּל נֶפֶשׁ הַחַיָּה אֲשֶׁר בַּמָּיִם שֶׁקֶץ הֵם לָכֶם׃

English Translation

And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living thing which is in the waters, they are abominable to you:

Transliteration

Vechol asher ein-lo snapir vekaskeset bayamim uvanachalim mikol sheretz hamayim umikol nefesh hachaya asher bamayim sheketz hem lachem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְכֹל֩ אֲשֶׁ֨ר אֵֽין־ל֜וֹ סְנַפִּ֣יר וְקַשְׂקֶ֗שֶׂת בַּיַּמִּים֙ וּבַנְּחָלִ֔ים מִכֹּל֙ שֶׁ֣רֶץ הַמַּ֔יִם וּמִכֹּ֛ל נֶ֥פֶשׁ הַחַיָּ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר בַּמָּ֑יִם שֶׁ֥קֶץ הֵ֖ם לָכֶֽם׃
וְכֹל֩ אֲשֶׁ֨ר אֵֽין־ל֜וֹ סְנַפִּ֣יר וְקַשְׂקֶ֗שֶׂת בַּיַּמִּים֙ וּבַנְּחָלִ֔ים מִכֹּל֙ שֶׁ֣רֶץ הַמַּ֔יִם וּמִכֹּ֛ל נֶ֥פֶשׁ הַחַיָּ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר בַּמָּ֑יִם שֶׁ֥קֶץ הֵ֖ם לָכֶֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse (Vayikra 11:10) delineates the prohibition against consuming aquatic creatures that lack both fins (סְנַפִּיר) and scales (קַשְׂקֶשֶׂת). This is part of the broader Torah laws of kashrut, which define permissible and forbidden foods. The term שֶׁקֶץ ("abomination") emphasizes the severity of consuming such creatures, as they are spiritually and ritually impure for the Jewish people.

Explanation of Fins and Scales

Rashi (on Vayikra 11:9) explains that the presence of both fins and scales is the determining factor for whether a fish is kosher. The Talmud (Chullin 66b) further clarifies that any fish possessing scales will also have fins, but the inverse is not always true. Therefore, scales are the primary indicator of a fish's kosher status.

  • Scales (קַשְׂקֶשֶׂת): Must be visible and detachable without tearing the skin (Rambam, Mishneh Torah, Ma'achalot Asurot 1:24).
  • Fins (סְנַפִּיר): Serve as appendages that aid in swimming, but their presence alone is insufficient without scales.

Spiritual and Symbolic Meaning

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 13:3) suggests that fins and scales symbolize moral and spiritual qualities:

  • Scales: Represent protection (מגן), akin to a Jew’s adherence to mitzvot, which shield from negative influences.
  • Fins: Symbolize forward movement (דחיפה), reflecting spiritual growth and striving toward holiness.

Halachic Implications

Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Ma'achalot Asurot 1:21-24) elaborates on the practical halachic criteria:

  • Fish lacking both fins and scales are forbidden under the category of sheketz (abomination).
  • Even if a fish sheds its scales temporarily (e.g., during spawning), it remains non-kosher unless it naturally regrows them.
  • All shellfish (e.g., shrimp, lobster) and aquatic mammals (e.g., whales) are inherently non-kosher due to their lack of scales.

Philosophical Perspective

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 155) explains that these dietary laws cultivate discipline and holiness, separating the Jewish people from base physicality. By abstaining from spiritually impure creatures, one refines the soul and aligns with divine will.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 66b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding kosher and non-kosher fish, emphasizing the requirement for fins and scales.
📖 Niddah 51b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the characteristics of creatures that live in water and their purity status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 11:10 mean?
A: Leviticus 11:10 teaches which sea creatures are permitted (kosher) and which are forbidden to eat according to Jewish law. Only fish with both fins and scales are kosher; those lacking either (like shellfish or eels) are considered non-kosher ('sheketz'—an abomination). This is part of the Torah's dietary laws (kashrut).
Q: Why are fins and scales important for kosher fish?
A: Rashi explains that fins and scales are signs of a fish's purity and suitability for consumption. The Talmud (Chullin 66b) states that any fish with scales will also have fins, but not vice versa. Scales symbolize protection and discernment, reflecting spiritual lessons about separating holiness from impurity.
Q: Can Jews eat shellfish like shrimp or lobster?
A: No. Orthodox Jewish law strictly forbids shellfish (like shrimp, lobster, or crab) because they lack both fins and scales, as stated in Leviticus 11:10. The Rambam (Hilchot Ma'achalot Asurot 1:24) emphasizes that these creatures are spiritually harmful and unfit for consumption.
Q: How do we identify kosher fish today?
A: Traditional Jewish practice requires reliable verification that a fish has both fins and scales. Common kosher fish (like salmon or tuna) are easily identifiable, while doubtful cases require rabbinic certification. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 83) provides detailed guidelines for checking scales properly.
Q: What’s the deeper meaning behind these laws?
A: The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 13:3) teaches that kosher laws elevate Jews spiritually by instilling discipline and holiness. Non-kosher species often symbolize negative traits (e.g., scavengers represent impurity). By abstaining, we refine our character and connect to Hashem’s wisdom.