Shmini 5783

Question: What is the inherent distinction between creatures which are טמאים to those we cannot eat (there is not a full overlap)?


Approach: It seems from a close reading of the פסוקים that the rules about the creatures that cannot be eaten fall into two distinct categories - those that are considered שקץ (which presumably most people wouldn't be interested in eating anyway), and those which are to ensure a level of קדושה - which implies that they're not inherently "disgusting". The question of טומאה appears to also stem from the קדושה element, but not everything that can "ruin" a level of קדושה by eating would mean a lessening of קדושה by the different types of contact with the creature.

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