Negative Commandment #93

Sefer Ha’mitzvos Ha’Katzar (The concise book of mitzvos) By the Chofetz Chaim

This book lists the Torah mitzvos that can be observed today

Second Section – the Negative Commandments

93. It is a negative commandment “do not eat meat from a non-kosher domesticated or undomesticated animal”

As it states in Vayikra (Leviticus) 11:4, “this you shall not eat.” Anything that does not chew its cud and have split hooves is not kosher. Anyone who eats an olive size amount of this meat, no difference if it is from a non-kosher domesticated or non-kosher undomesticated animal, receives lashes. Human flesh is included in a positive commandment, since it is not included in the law of “these living things [you are allowed to eat]” (Vayikra 11:2). Anything that comes from these forbidden kinds, for example milk from a non-kosher domesticated or undomesticated animal, is forbidden to eat according to Torah law. Honey from bees and wasps is permitted because it does not come from their bodies. Milk from a human is permitted, but adults are forbidden to drink it from its source. Milk obtained by a non-Jew without a Jew watching him while he was milking the animal, is forbidden, because perhaps it is mixed with milk from a non-kosher animal. Regarding cheese made by a non-Jew, according to Torah law, it is permitted because we do not suspect it came from a non-kosher animal, because non-kosher animal’s milk cannot be made into cheese. According to our Sages of blessed memory, though, it is forbidden for numerous reasons.

This applies in all places and at all times, for men and for women.

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