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Leviticus 11:43 - Holiness through dietary discipline?

Leviticus 11:43 - ויקרא 11:43

Hebrew Text

אַל־תְּשַׁקְּצוּ אֶת־נַפְשֹׁתֵיכֶם בְּכָל־הַשֶּׁרֶץ הַשֹּׁרֵץ וְלֹא תִטַּמְּאוּ בָּהֶם וְנִטְמֵתֶם בָּם׃

English Translation

You shall not make yourselves abominable with any creeping thing that creeps, neither shall you make yourselves unclean with them, that you should be defiled by them.

Transliteration

Al-teshaktzu et-nafshoteichem bechol-hasheretz hashoretz velo titam'u bahem venitmeitem bam.

Hebrew Leining Text

אַל־תְּשַׁקְּצוּ֙ אֶת־נַפְשֹׁ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם בְּכׇל־הַשֶּׁ֖רֶץ הַשֹּׁרֵ֑ץ וְלֹ֤א תִֽטַּמְּאוּ֙ בָּהֶ֔ם וְנִטְמֵתֶ֖ם בָּֽם׃
אַל־תְּשַׁקְּצוּ֙ אֶת־נַפְשֹׁ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם בְּכׇל־הַשֶּׁ֖רֶץ הַשֹּׁרֵ֑ץ וְלֹ֤א תִֽטַּמְּאוּ֙ בָּהֶ֔ם וְנִטְמֵתֶ֖ם בָּֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition Against Defilement by Creeping Creatures

The verse (Vayikra 11:43) warns against making oneself abominable (tishaktzu) or unclean (titma'u) through contact with creeping creatures. Rashi explains that the term tishaktzu implies a strong revulsion, as these creatures are spiritually repugnant. The Sforno adds that this revulsion is not merely physical but affects the soul (nefesh), distancing a person from kedushah (holiness).

Double Warning: Abomination and Impurity

The verse uses two terms—tishaktzu (abomination) and titma'u (impurity)—to emphasize different aspects of the prohibition:

  • Abomination (tishaktzu): Ramban explains that this refers to the inherent spiritual repulsiveness of these creatures, which corrupts the soul's purity.
  • Impurity (titma'u): The Talmud (Chullin 67b) teaches that this refers to the ritual impurity (tumah) contracted through contact, affecting one's ability to engage in sacred matters.

Consequence: "You Shall Be Defiled by Them"

The concluding phrase, venitmeitem bam ("you shall be defiled by them"), is interpreted by the Kli Yakar as a cause-and-effect warning: engaging with these creatures leads to spiritual degradation. The Midrash (Torat Kohanim) further states that defilement through forbidden creatures diminishes one's capacity to receive divine wisdom.

Philosophical Underpinnings

Rambam (Hilchot Ma'achalot Asurot 17:29) teaches that these laws train a person to master physical desires and elevate the soul. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 163) adds that avoiding these creatures fosters discipline and separation from base materialism, aligning one's nature with holiness.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 67b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the laws of ritual purity and impurity, specifically regarding creeping things and their defiling effects.
📖 Niddah 51b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing various sources of impurity and the consequences of defilement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 11:43 mean?
A: Leviticus 11:43 warns against making ourselves spiritually impure by eating or coming into contact with forbidden creeping creatures (like certain insects or rodents). The Torah teaches that these actions can defile our souls (Rashi on Leviticus 11:43).
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is part of the kosher laws (kashrut) which help Jews maintain spiritual purity. The Rambam (Hilchot Ma'achalot Asurot) explains that these laws elevate our souls by teaching self-control and separating us from behaviors that lead to impurity.
Q: What can we learn from 'you shall not make yourselves abominable'?
A: The Sages teach that this teaches us to be mindful of what we allow into our bodies, as physical actions affect our spiritual state (Talmud, Yoma 39a). The term 'abominable' shows how seriously the Torah views these prohibitions.
Q: How does this apply to Jewish life today?
A: This verse forms the basis for many kosher laws observed today. Orthodox Jews carefully check food for insects (like in vegetables) and avoid all non-kosher creatures to fulfill this commandment (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah 84).
Q: What does 'that you should be defiled by them' mean?
A: The Midrash (Torat Kohanim) explains that forbidden foods spiritually contaminate a person. While physical health may be affected, the primary concern is the soul's purity - distancing us from holiness when we ignore these laws.