Exodus 22:30 - Holiness through mindful eating

Join Our Newsletter To Be Informed When New Videos Are Posted

Join the thousands of fellow Studends who rely on our videos to learn how to read the bible in Hebrew for free!

Hebrew Text

וְאַנְשֵׁי־קֹדֶשׁ תִּהְיוּן לִי וּבָשָׂר בַּשָּׂדֶה טְרֵפָה לֹא תֹאכֵלוּ לַכֶּלֶב תַּשְׁלִכוּן אֹתוֹ׃

English Translation

And you shall be holy men to me: neither shall you eat any meat that is torn of beasts in the field; you shall cast it to the dogs.

Transliteration

Ve'anshei-kodesh tihiyun li uvasar basadeh treifa lo tochelu lakelav tashlichun oto.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאַנְשֵׁי־קֹ֖דֶשׁ תִּהְי֣וּן לִ֑י וּבָשָׂ֨ר בַּשָּׂדֶ֤ה טְרֵפָה֙ לֹ֣א תֹאכֵ֔לוּ לַכֶּ֖לֶב תַּשְׁלִכ֥וּן אֹתֽוֹ׃ {ס}

Parasha Commentary

Holiness and the Prohibition of Torn Meat (Tereifah)

The verse commands the Jewish people to be "anshei kodesh" (holy men) to Hashem, linking this sanctity to the prohibition of eating meat torn by beasts (treifah). Rashi (Shemot 22:30) explains that this mitzvah is part of a broader framework of holiness, emphasizing that avoiding treifah elevates a person spiritually. The Rambam (Hilchot Ma'achalot Asurot 4:17) further clarifies that treifah refers to an animal with a fatal physical defect, rendering it unfit for consumption.

Throwing the Meat to the Dogs

The Torah instructs that such meat should be cast to the dogs. The Talmud (Chullin 92b) derives from this that dogs are given a measure of respect in Torah law, as they remained silent during the Exodus (Shemot 11:7). The Kli Yakar (Shemot 22:30) suggests that this teaches ethical treatment of animals—even non-kosher meat should not be wasted but given to creatures that may benefit from it.

Spiritual Implications of Kashrut

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 73) connects this mitzvah to the broader concept of kedushah (holiness), explaining that refraining from treifah trains a person in self-discipline and separation from base desires. The Sforno (Shemot 22:30) adds that holiness is achieved by distancing oneself from anything spiritually or physically defective, aligning one's actions with divine will.

Rashi: Links holiness to avoiding treifah as part of spiritual refinement.
Rambam: Defines treifah as an animal with a fatal defect.
Talmud (Chullin): Explains the significance of giving meat to dogs.
Kli Yakar: Emphasizes ethical treatment of animals.
Sefer HaChinuch: Connects kashrut to self-discipline and holiness.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 117a

The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding meat that is torn by beasts (טְרֵפָה), and the prohibition against eating such meat, as well as the instruction to cast it to the dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean to be 'holy men' in Exodus 22:30?
A: The verse commands us to be 'holy men' (אַנְשֵׁי־קֹדֶשׁ), which means separating ourselves from impurity and elevating our actions to serve Hashem. Rashi explains that holiness involves distancing from forbidden matters and acting with purity in our daily lives.

Q: Why does the Torah forbid eating meat torn by beasts in the field?
A: The Torah prohibits eating טְרֵפָה (torn meat) because it is considered spiritually harmful and impure. The Rambam (Hilchot Ma'achalot Asurot 4:8) teaches that such meat carries negative spiritual influences, and avoiding it helps maintain holiness.

Q: Why does the verse say to throw torn meat to the dogs?
A: The Talmud (Pesachim 22b) explains that the Torah rewards the dogs for their silence during the Exodus (when no dogs barked as the Israelites left Egypt). By giving them the non-kosher meat, we acknowledge their merit while also preventing waste.

Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: This verse teaches us to maintain holiness by following kosher laws strictly. Even today, we avoid non-kosher meat and ensure that what we eat aligns with Torah standards. The Midrash (Sifra) emphasizes that holiness is achieved through self-control in permitted and forbidden matters.

Q: What lesson can we learn from 'You shall be holy men to Me'?
A: The Sages teach (Vayikra Rabbah 24:4) that holiness is not just about avoiding sin but actively elevating our actions. By keeping kosher and distancing from impurity, we fulfill our role as a 'kingdom of priests and a holy nation' (Exodus 19:6).