Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the verse 'You shall eat no manner of fat, of ox, or of sheep, or of goat' mean?
A: This verse from Leviticus 7:23 prohibits the consumption of certain types of animal fats (chelev) from kosher domesticated animals like oxen, sheep, and goats. According to Jewish law (halacha), these forbidden fats are different from the permissible fats that can be eaten. Rashi explains that this prohibition applies specifically to the fats surrounding the organs, not the general fat mixed with meat.
Q: Why is the prohibition against eating certain fats important in Judaism?
A: The prohibition against eating certain fats (chelev) is important because it is one of the 613 commandments given in the Torah. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that these laws help refine a person's character by exercising self-control and obedience to Hashem's will. Additionally, the Talmud (Chullin 49b) discusses how these fats were designated for altar offerings in the Temple, making them sacred and not for human consumption.
Q: How do we identify which fats are forbidden according to this verse?
A: The forbidden fats (chelev) are specifically the hard fats surrounding the kidneys, the loins, and certain internal organs of kosher domesticated animals. The Talmud (Chullin 93a) provides detailed descriptions, and trained kosher butchers (shochtim) are knowledgeable in removing these fats properly. Regular fat attached to meat (shuman) is permitted.
Q: Does this prohibition apply to all animals or just specific ones?
A: This prohibition applies only to the fats of kosher domesticated animals explicitly mentioned in the verse: oxen, sheep, and goats. Fats from non-kosher animals or wild kosher animals (like deer) are not included in this prohibition, though non-kosher animals are forbidden entirely for other reasons (Vayikra 11).
Q: How is this law observed today if we no longer have the Temple?
A: Even though the Temple is not standing today, the prohibition against eating forbidden fats (chelev) remains in effect. Kosher slaughter (shechita) includes removing these fats, and kosher meat is carefully processed to ensure compliance. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 64) outlines the practical halachic guidelines for avoiding these fats in modern times.
Prohibition of Eating Animal Fat (חֵלֶב)
The verse (Vayikra 7:23) prohibits the consumption of certain fats from kosher animals—specifically the ox, sheep, and goat. This prohibition is one of the 613 mitzvot and is elaborated upon in Halacha.
Types of Forbidden Fat
According to Rashi (based on Chullin 49b), the Torah distinguishes between two types of fat:
Source of the Prohibition
The Rambam (Hilchot Ma'achalot Asurot 7:5) explains that the forbidden fat (חֵלֶב) refers specifically to the fat surrounding the kidneys, liver, and other internal organs—not the fat intermingled with meat, which is permitted.
Reason for the Prohibition
The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 146) suggests that this prohibition serves to distance us from indulgence and gluttony, as fat was considered a delicacy in ancient times. Additionally, the Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 13:2) teaches that the fat was designated for Hashem’s service (through korbanot), symbolizing that the finest portions should be consecrated for spiritual purposes.
Halachic Details
The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 64:1-3) outlines practical Halachot: