Torah Portion: Shemini

“וכל השרץ השורץ על הארץ שקץ הוא לא יאכל” (ויקרא יא מא)

It is a negative commandment to not eat teeming creatures of the ground, as it is written: Every teeming creature that teems upon the ground — it is an abomination, it shall not be eaten (Vayikra 11:41).

Among the roots of this mitzvah are the ideas put forth above, with regard to non-kosher foods.

This mitzvah applies in all places and at all times, to both men and women.

“לכל השרץ השורץ על הארץ לא תאכלום“(ויקרא יא מב)

It is a negative commandment to not eat various small teeming creatures that develop in fruits and grains once they emerge and teem on the ground, or, even if they have not emerged, if the fruit is still attached to the ground — as it is written, all the teeming things that teem upon the earth, you may not eat them (Vayikra 11:42). After they have emerged on the ground, even if they subsequently re-enter the fruit, they are considered as having “teemed on the earth” and are forbidden. Now, although there are [thus] certain situations when there is no prohibition against eating them, it is nevertheless somewhat of an abomination to the soul. Therefore, whenever there is a possibility [of their existence,] one should check [the fruit etc.] thoroughly.

This commandment applies in all places and at all times, to both men and women.