Purpose of the Laws of Hybrids/2
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Laws of Hybrids – כלאיים
Exegetical Approaches
Preserving Natural Order
When Hashem created the world, He made each plant and animal according to its species, and mandated that each species should reproduce according to it own kind. Crossbreeding and other mixing of species is prohibited because it goes against Hashem's plan of creation and the natural order He set in the world..
Sources:Philo #1, Rashbam, Ibn Ezra, R. Yosef Bekhor Shor, Chizkuni, Ramban, R. Bachya, Tur, R. Yosef ibn Kaspi, Ralbag, R. Avraham Saba, Maharal, R. S.R. Hirsch, R . David Zvi Hoffmann
What is wrong with mixing species? All these sources emphasize that since Hashem created each species "according to its own kind," mankind, too, must not mix species. Yet, they disagree regarding the specifics of why this is problematic:
- Hubris – R"Y Bekhor Shor points out that there is a certain hubris in crossbreeding, as if one is trying to turn one's self into Creator, usurping the role of God. Ramban adds that in so doing it is as if one is questioning the perfection of Hashem's world and suggesting that it needs improvement.1
- Harming creation – Both R"Y Bekhor Shor and Ramban2 further point out that Hashem created a world that can perpetuate itself, but hybrids can't reproduce on their own. As such, in creating such hybrids, man reduces the good inherent in Hashem's creation.
- Introducing disorder into the world – Tzeror HaMor and R. Hoffmann also emphasize how Hashem had desired an ordered world, while mixing of species introduces chaos.
- Less recognition of Hashem – By acting contrary to Hashem's creation,
Crossbreeding vs. Planting – Even though planting seeds of different species one next to another will not create a cross-breed, R"Y Bekhor Shor claims that it is prohibited as a precaution, since it is possible that accidentally the mixed seeds will combine and create a new plant. Rashbam, Ibn Ezra and R. Hirsch, instead assume that the action is prohibited since, regardless of the ability to create a hybrid, it serves as a reminder that mixing species goes against Hashem's creation.
"שַׁעַטְנֵז"
"לֹא תַחֲרֹשׁ בְּשׁוֹר וּבַחֲמֹר יַחְדָּו" – These commentators disagree whether this commandment is related to the other prohibitions of mixing species or if it is prohibited for different reasons:
- Connected – R"Y Bekhor Shor and Ramban3 assert that plowing with an ox and donkey is prohibited as a precaution against crossbreeding.4 Rashbam and R. Hirsch, instead, maintain that the prohibition reminds man of Hashem's desire that everything be created "according to its own kind".
- Unconnected – Ibn Ezra and Chizkuni disconnect this prohibition from those of כלאיים, suggesting that it relates instead to those laws regarding care of animals and not causing them distress. Since the two animals have different strengths, it is unfair to the weaker animal to work them together.5
Meaning of "כִּלְאָיִם"
"פֶּן תִּקְדַּשׁ הַמְלֵאָה"
Biblical Parallels
Exceptions
Context
"את חקותי תשמורו"
Preventative Measure
Distancing from Idolatry
The prohibitions were instituted as a reaction to idolatrous customs, in an effort to keep the nation from imitating them.
Preventing Inappropriate Sexual Acts
The prohibition against mixing species is meant to teach people not to engage in similarly inappropriate pairings and sexual relations.
Sources:Philo #1, Josephus#2, Akeidat Yitzchak
