Purpose of the Laws of Hybrids/2
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Laws of Hybrids – כלאיים
Exegetical Approaches
Preserving Natural Law
The laws of hybrids remind mankind of Hashem's creation "each according to his species", and mandate that man too should abide by this natural law as set by Hashem.
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? Though all these sources emphasize that since Hashem created each species "according to its own kind" mankind too must not mix species, butt hey disagree regarding why this is problematic:
- Order in creation/Proper place for all
- Hubris
- Inability to bear offspring
Meaning of "כִּלְאָיִם"
"פֶּן תִּקְדַּשׁ הַמְלֵאָה"
Crossbreeding vs. Planting
"שַׁעַטְנֵז"
"לֹא תַחֲרֹשׁ בְּשׁוֹר וּבַחֲמֹר יַחְדָּו"
Biblical Parallels
Exceptions
Distancing from Idolatry
The prohibitions were instituted as a reaction to idolatrous customs, in an effort to keep the nation from imitating them.
