Searching Google for references to forbidden foods in Parshat Shemini, I came across two interesting articles. The first was a devar torah by Rabbi Frand. The second article was written by Rabbi Yehonoson Dovid Hool.
While the first reference to Kashrus [Kosher dietary] laws is contained in Parshas Mishpatim [Shmos 22:30], the Torah actually enumerates and identifies the Kosher species of animals, fish and birds here in Parshas Sh'mini.
...The Talmud [Yoma 82b] says that a certain pregnant woman smelled the aroma of forbidden food and developed an uncontrollable urge to eat that food on Yom Kippur. They brought her before Rebbi and he whispered in her ear (as if to speak to the embryo) "It is Yom Kippur today". The woman's urge for food then subsided. The Talmud states that this baby turned out to be Rabbi Yochanan.
The Talmud then relates an identical story except that the whispering did not help and the mother had to eat on Yom Kippur (to save her life). The Gemara mentions that this baby turned out to be a wicked person. The Gemara identifies this wicked person as "Shabsai, the one who would hoard fruits" (he cornered the market on a basic commodity, and then charged poor people exorbitant prices for the food). Read full article: http://www.torah.org/learning/ravfrand/5760/shemini.html
In Parshas Shemini we find the laws of Ma'acholos Assuros - the instructions about which animals are kosher and which are forbidden to be eaten. The Ramban gives a reason behind the prohibition to consume certain kinds of animals. He explains that every species has its innate characteristics and traits that are shared by all its members. The nature of a predatory animal is to be cruel and aggressive, whereas sheep, for example, are passive and gentle.
The Ramban informs us that these animals pass on these characteristics to those who consume their meat....
http://www.thefoundationstone.org/en/bible/parsha-portion-of-the-week/3283-parsha-perspectives-shemini-is-your-food-kosher.html
While the first reference to Kashrus [Kosher dietary] laws is contained in Parshas Mishpatim [Shmos 22:30], the Torah actually enumerates and identifies the Kosher species of animals, fish and birds here in Parshas Sh'mini.
...The Talmud [Yoma 82b] says that a certain pregnant woman smelled the aroma of forbidden food and developed an uncontrollable urge to eat that food on Yom Kippur. They brought her before Rebbi and he whispered in her ear (as if to speak to the embryo) "It is Yom Kippur today". The woman's urge for food then subsided. The Talmud states that this baby turned out to be Rabbi Yochanan.
The Talmud then relates an identical story except that the whispering did not help and the mother had to eat on Yom Kippur (to save her life). The Gemara mentions that this baby turned out to be a wicked person. The Gemara identifies this wicked person as "Shabsai, the one who would hoard fruits" (he cornered the market on a basic commodity, and then charged poor people exorbitant prices for the food). Read full article: http://www.torah.org/learning/ravfrand/5760/shemini.html
In Parshas Shemini we find the laws of Ma'acholos Assuros - the instructions about which animals are kosher and which are forbidden to be eaten. The Ramban gives a reason behind the prohibition to consume certain kinds of animals. He explains that every species has its innate characteristics and traits that are shared by all its members. The nature of a predatory animal is to be cruel and aggressive, whereas sheep, for example, are passive and gentle.
The Ramban informs us that these animals pass on these characteristics to those who consume their meat....
http://www.thefoundationstone.org/en/bible/parsha-portion-of-the-week/3283-parsha-perspectives-shemini-is-your-food-kosher.html
No comments:
Post a Comment