Shalom, Mitspacha!
Today we walk deeper into the Torah’s teaching on ritual impurities in food and drink - and how contact with the carcasses of animals can transfer uncleanness. YHVH calls His people to discernment - to separate between what gives life and what brings defilement. In doing so, we learn not only to guard our bodies but also our spirits from what is unclean.
“And if any animal which may be eaten dies, he who touches its carcass shall be unclean until evening.”
- Leviticus 11:39
“And every drink that may be drunk in any vessel shall be unclean.”
- Leviticus 11:34
The Torah distinguishes between finding a carcass and making one. The one who finds a carcass becomes unclean through contact but bears no guilt - impurity is simply transferred by association. However, the one who makes a carcass through unrighteous means, such as cruelty or careless slaughter, bears moral responsibility before YHVH.
This distinction teaches a profound truth: impurity is not always sin, but carelessness in how we treat life can become sin. To touch death by accident is one thing; to cause it unjustly or without reverence is another.
The story of Shimshon (Samson) offers a striking picture. When he found the lion he had slain and later took honey from its carcass, he touched both death and sweetness. It was both a riddle and a warning - that even what seems sweet can come from defilement if discernment is not exercised. His strength was YHVH’s gift, but his lack of restraint brought defilement close to him.
So too with abattoirs and food industries today. The Torah reminds us that life taken without acknowledgment of the Creator’s sovereignty defiles the land. Slaughter is permitted only within boundaries of holiness. When Yisra’el slaughtered lambs for Pesach, it was an act of obedience and faith, not of commerce or cruelty. The blood was a sign of redemption, not a product for sale.
Thus, YHVH’s instruction is not about fear of impurity but about cultivating awareness. Food and drink connect body and soul - what enters us becomes part of us. When we honor the boundaries of life, we keep holiness within our dwelling places.
The mitzvot concerning food and carcasses teach that YHVH’s holiness extends even to the smallest details of our daily life. We learn first that food and drink are not neutral - they carry the potential for sanctification or defilement depending on their source and handling. Every bite and every sip is an act of participation with life or death.
Second, contact with a carcass requires cleansing and waiting until evening. This teaches humility - a reminder that life and death are in YHVH’s hands, and we must continually be purified to remain in fellowship with Him.
Third, these mitzvot emphasize stewardship. Those who handle food for others - whether farmers, cooks, or butchers - bear a sacred trust. They are called to treat creation with respect and gratitude, ensuring no defilement is introduced into what sustains life.
Application for today: Be mindful of what you consume, both physically and spiritually. Avoid that which defiles the soul - gossip, impurity, or greed - just as you would avoid unclean food. Let all that enters your body and heart honor the Creator who gives life. In this way, your table becomes like an altar, and your meals acts of thanksgiving.
YHVH Elohim, You are the Giver of life and the Sustainer of all flesh. Teach us to walk in purity and discernment in every aspect of our lives.
Help us to honor the boundaries You have set for life and death, that we may not defile ourselves by carelessness or neglect.
We pray for those who work in the fields and in the preparation of food - for mercy, safety, and reverence for Your creation. May Your Spirit move upon all who handle the fruit of the earth, that they may do so with gratitude and holiness.
Cleanse us from hidden faults and renew within us a steadfast spirit. Let our homes be pure, our tables sanctified, and our hearts filled with Your presence.
Baruch YHVH.
May YHVH bless you and keep you.
May YHVH cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you.
May YHVH lift up His countenance upon you and grant you shalom.
Baruch YHVH.
Shalom until tomorrow.