In Parshat Ki Tetze (Devarim 22:11) we read: “Do not don
Shatnez (a mixture of threads), wool and linen together.”
According to Rashi, the word Shatnez is a mixture. We learn
in Nidah 61b that the word Sha-t-nez can be divided into three words, Shua
(combed or smoothed), Tavui (spun) and Nuz (woven).
Shatnez is a chok. The Torah doesn’t give us a reason for
why Shatnez is prohibited. However, one can try to guess.
The Sefer HaChinuch states that according to the Rambam the
priests of idolatry wore combinations of wool and linen and we don’t want to
imitate their ways.
According to Rabbi Shraga Simmons, “mixing wool and linen
upsets the environmental and metaphysical fabric of the universe. God created
different species that work together in the symphony of creation. Our job is to
respect and appreciate this diversity and help maintain this special
orderliness.”
Rabbi Simmons brings a Midrash that states that since Kayin
brought a korban (sacrifice) of flax (linen) and Hevel brought a korban of
sheep (wool) and Kayin ended up killing Hevel it is better not to mix the two
substances.
I am sure that it is no coincidence that in Vayikra, Parshat
Kedoshim 19:17-19 we read: “You shall not hate your brother in your heart; You
shall certainly rebuke your friend; but you shall not bear a sin on his
account. You shall not take revenge or bear a grudge against the children of
your people. You shall love your fellow as yourself, I am God. Keep my
statutes; Do not cross breed your animals with different species. Do not sow
your field with a mixture of different seeds. A garment that contains shatnez
you shall not wear.”
Not hating your brother, loving your neighbor and not
wearing shatnez all seem to be connected.
When we go shopping it is important that we make sure that
the clothing that we buy is kosher and does not contain a mixture of wool and
linen. There are experts who are available to check the clothing to be sure.
We see that there is holiness both in what we put in our
bodies as well as what we put on our bodies and that even our clothing needs to
be kosher!
