PARSHAT SHEMINI – RISING ABOVE NATURE · Sukkat Shalom B'nei Noach

בס”ד

This week we read Parashat Shemini, which means “the eighth day.” On this day, the Tabernacle was opened, a special place where G‑d is close to us.

The number 7 represents nature. It is about the world as we know it: trees, animals, eating, and sleeping. Think also of the 7 days of the week.
The number 8 represents something higher: G‑d and things above the natural world.

In this parasha, we learn about food. For Noahides (people who follow the seven laws), one important rule is: you may not eat meat taken from a living animal.

This means that an animal must first be dead before its meat can be eaten. Meat from the store is usually okay because the animal is already dead. It is also important to think about the welfare of animals: you should not cause them unnecessary pain.

Why is this important?
An animal lives on earth and is part of nature (the 7): it eats, sleeps, and lives like everything around us. Humans are special: we can look up, think, and recognize that there is a G‑d. By following this rule, a Noahide is essentially saying:
“I am a human with a soul. I choose G‑d!”

By doing this, you show that you are not just part of nature. You are a special human being who can do good and serve G‑d.

By Rabbi Moshe Bernstein and Angelique Sijbolts

Source: “Only flesh with its soul and blood you shall not eat” (Genesis 9:4). Maimonides in Halachos Malachim Chapter 9. Likutei Sichos Vol. 7 page 65.

If you want more questions for contemplation, SEE THE OTHER BLOGS FROM RABBI MOSHE BERNSTEIN