Instructions for counting the omer are found on our Omer Overview Page. You can find the specific blessing for today at chabad.org.

We’re dedicating a new Sefer Torah on the first day of Shavuot. In honor of this joyous occasion, we’re using the counting of the Omer to take a whirlwind trip through the Torah

Today’s portion is Shemini from the book of Leviticus. Today’s insight was generously provided by Andrew L.

Verses of note: Leviticus 11:1 – 11:47

What caught your attention in this parashah?

Over the centuries, the most frequently commented-upon passage in Shemini concerns the mysterious death of Aaron’s two firstborn sons through “heavenly fire”. However, to me the most remarkable section of Shemini are the laws of Kasherut (the Dietary Laws): i.e., which animals, fish, birds, etc. are considered “clean” and may be eaten, and which are an “abomination”. These Dietary Laws have had a central impact on Jewish life and been a major distinguishing characteristic of the Jewish people throughout our existence.

What’s one explanation for these verses?

The reasons for the Dietary Laws are unknown, but have been the subject of much debate and many scholarly writings (not only religious, but also historical, sociological, and even medical). The overriding explanation is stated at the end of this section (ch. 11, v.45): we must be holy because God is holy. But what makes some specific animals “clean” while others must be avoided? This is where our Sages use a catch-all for laws that we cannot explain: the category of commands called Hukkim, i.e. statutes that must be obeyed even though the reasons for them are beyond human understanding.

While the above has been the traditional rabbinic interpretation, another common explanation is based on medical and hygienic reasons. It has been noted by physicians and researchers that many of the prohibited animals are dirty, repulsive, or harbor diseases. The pig is a notorious example of wallowing in mud and filth and carrying parasites and other harmful microorganisms. Many intestinal and other diseases have been attributed to consuming pork. Another example are the creeping and crawling animals, which are described in Shemini as “repulsive” and which indeed carry on and in them all the filth from the ground. While traditional rabbinical sources discourage medical/hygienic explanations for our Dietary Laws, the fact is that by adhering to them Jews have generally led cleaner and healthier lives. One of the best examples is during the pandemics of the Middle Ages when Jews were typically less affected – with the tragic consequences that they were then held responsible by their anti-Semitic neighbors for causing these diseases.

A third widely accepted interpretation is a sociological one, i.e. that these Dietary Laws were meant to keep Jews from closely socializing with idolaters and thus risking loss of their identity and religion. It was explained that it is during eating and drinking that inhibitions fall and adherence to our beliefs, traditions, and very identities becomes vulnerable. These laws therefore are considered as serving to buttress our Jewish existence and guide us on a path of modesty, restraint, and self-preservation.