Prohibition of Blood/2

Prohibition of Blood

Exegetical Approaches

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Lesson in the Sanctity of Life

Refraining from eating blood, the source or symbol of an animal's vitality and soul, reminds one of the sanctity of all life.

Sources:?RambanVayikra 17:11About R. Moshe b. Nachman #2, Abarbanel, R. Kook?, ? Keli YekarVayikra 17:13About R. Shelomo Ephraim Luntschitz, ?Shadal, RDZH

Detrimental to Health

Eating blood is detrimental to both one's physical and spiritual health.

Sources:Ibn Ezra, Rambam, Ramban, Sefer Hachinukh, Ralbag #3, Abarbanel, Seforno, Or hachayyim, R. Hirsch, Netziv¹

Distancing from Idolatry

Consuming blood is prohibited since it is related to idolatrous practices.

Sources:RambamMoreh Nevukhim 3:46About R. Moshe b. Maimon, ralbag, seforno, shadal first opinion

Sanctified to Hashem

Since the blood of animals is thrown on the altar and sanctified to Hashem, it is not fit for human consumption.

Sources:keli yekar,

¹ Netziv distinguishes between the reason for the prohibition of eating the blood of domesticated and non-domesticated animals and maintains that only the latter is related to the negative effects it will have on man's nature.