Torah Portion: Tzav

“כל חלב שור וכשב ועז לא תאכלו“ (ויקרא ז כג)

It is a negative commandment to not eat cheilev (non-kosher fat) of a kosher-species of domesticated animals, as it is written, Any fat of oxen, sheep, or goats — you shall not eat (Vayikra 7:19).

Among the roots of the mitzvah is the idea that we have explained earlier: that since the body is the vessel of the soul, and it is through it that the soul accomplishes its good deeds, and that to the degree that [the body] is clean and of good constitution it can understand, through the soul, the wisdom that is invested in it — because of all this man must give attention to the well-being of the body, so that it will be in its best form and strength. Therefore, among God’s great acts of kindness for us, the Nation whom He chose, He distanced from us all foods that can be harmful to the body, and it is well known that cheilev-fat produces [negative effects in the body].

This commandment applies in all places and at every time, to both men and women. One who transgresses this and willfully ate the ate the volume of a kazayis of cheilev receives lashes. If it was consumed inadvertently, the person brings a standard sin-offering.