Shabbat Parshat Shemini

This week's Torah Gems were prepared by

Jodi Hecht
Shabbat Parshat Shemini

Parshat Shemini seems to be divided between the events of the untimely and tragic deaths of Aaron's two eldest sons and Hashem's commandments to Aaron listing the pure and impure animals to eat. It's a little unsettling that these two events are juxtaposed. Perhaps Hashem is sending us a wake up call to pay attention - what follows about the Jewish dietary laws is important. However the placement suggests that the fate of Aaron's sons may befall the Jews if we fail to adhere to Hashem's orders.

Parshat Shemini refers to four categories of animals: land, water, air and insects. Hashem commands that we should only eat land animals that chew their cuds and have split hooves. We may eat only animals from the water that have both fins and scales. The Parshat tells us not to eat birds of prey. Some Talmudic interpretations suggest that eating these foods would give Jewish souls the characteristics of docility and gentleness. Finally we are permitted to eat the six-legged insects that hop. I have always wondered why grasshoppers and locusts are explicitly described in the Torah. Was there ever a custom to eat them in the Jewish community? Are they considered meat or pareve by modern kashrut standards?

It's wonderful to think that with a common set of dietary laws, you could share a meal with a Jew anywhere around the world. One single Jew is connected to a whole community.

This Shabbat may you enjoy your Galiforme soup, roasted Bovine (ruminant ungulate), simmered Salmonidae, chocolate covered Orthoptera, lots of fruits and vegetables and of course leavened Triticum.

Shabbat Shalom.