Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is the coney (shafan) considered unclean according to Leviticus 11:5?
A: The coney (shafan) is considered unclean because, although it appears to chew its cud (ma'aleh gerah), it does not have split hooves (parsa lo yafris). According to the Torah's laws of kashrut (Vayikra 11:3), an animal must have both signs—chewing its cud and having split hooves—to be kosher. Rashi explains that the coney's chewing motion resembles cud-chewing, but it does not fully meet the criteria.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from the laws of kosher animals in Leviticus 11:5?
A: The Torah's kosher laws teach us the importance of discernment—just because something appears kosher (like the coney's chewing motion) does not mean it truly is. The Rambam (Hilchot Ma'achalot Asurot) explains that these laws train us to refine our choices in all aspects of life, not just food, by looking beyond surface impressions.
Q: How do we know which animals are kosher based on Leviticus 11:5?
A: The Torah (Vayikra 11:3) states that land animals must have two signs to be kosher: 1) they must chew their cud (ma'aleh gerah), and 2) they must have split hooves (mafrisei parsah). The coney in 11:5 is an example of an animal that fails this test—it seems to chew cud but lacks split hooves. The Talmud (Chullin 59a) discusses how to verify these signs properly.
Q: Why does the Torah specify animals like the coney in the kosher laws?
A: The Torah specifies animals like the coney to clarify potential misunderstandings. Since the coney makes chewing motions (as noted by Rashi), one might mistakenly think it is kosher. The verse emphasizes that both signs—chewing cud and split hooves—must be present. The Midrash (Torat Kohanim) teaches that these details show G-d's precision in guiding us toward holiness.
Q: Does the coney (shafan) still exist today? What animal is it?
A: Traditional Jewish sources identify the shafan (coney) as the hyrax (Procavia capensis), a small mammal found in Israel and the Middle East. The Talmud (Chullin 59b) describes its characteristics, noting its chewing behavior and undivided hooves. Modern zoology confirms that the hyrax has a similar chewing motion to cud-chewing animals, aligning with the Torah's description.
Understanding the Verse
The verse (Vayikra 11:6) discusses the shafan (coney or hyrax), classifying it as a non-kosher animal despite its apparent chewing of the cud. The Torah specifies that an animal must both chew its cud (ma'aleh gerah) and have split hooves (mafris parsah) to be kosher. The shafan, while appearing to chew its cud, lacks split hooves, rendering it tamei (ritually impure) and unfit for consumption.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Vayikra 11:5) clarifies that the shafan's chewing motion resembles ma'aleh gerah, but it is not true rumination. Instead, the shafan moves its jaws in a manner that mimics chewing the cud, though it does not actually regurgitate and re-chew its food. This highlights the Torah's precision in distinguishing between true kosher signs and superficial similarities.
Halachic Implications
Rambam (Hilchos Ma'achalos Asuros 1:3) emphasizes that only animals with both kosher signs—split hooves and true rumination—are permitted. The shafan's lack of split hooves disqualifies it, regardless of its jaw movements. This teaches that outward appearances can be deceptive, and Torah law requires strict adherence to divine criteria.
Midrashic Insights
The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 13:5) compares the shafan to those who appear righteous but lack true integrity. Just as the shafan seems to chew its cud but is not kosher, so too are people who perform mitzvos outwardly while harboring improper intentions. This reinforces the importance of sincerity in divine service.
Scientific Observation
While modern zoology confirms that the hyrax does not ruminate, its jaw movements resemble chewing due to its complex digestive process. The Torah's classification aligns with its spiritual message: true kedushah (holiness) requires internal and external alignment with Hashem's commandments.