Parsha Points- Tzav 5772
Not Consuming Blood Teaches Us Sensitivity
In Parshat Tzav, Vayikra 7:26, we read: “You shall not
consume any blood, in any of your dwelling places, whether from foul or from
animals.”
Why does the pasuk have to say “in any of your dwelling
places?” Why doesn’t it just say “you shall not consume blood?”
We learn from here that the law of not eating blood applies
all over the world, not just in the
personal obligation (hovat haguf) and not an agricultural obligation pertaining
to the Land (hovat karka).
Rashi comments on Masechet Kidushin 37b that there was a
need to mention “in any of your dwelling places” since we may have thought that
since the prohibitions of blood and fats are found in the chapter of the
korbanot (sacrifices) that the prohibitions apply only in the Land of Israel
while the Beit HaMikdash is in existence and sacrifices are being brought. From
here we see that no matter where we find ourselves in the world we may not eat
the blood.
Sefer HaHinuch adds that this law is in effect at all times.
This law was not only in effect when the pagans ate the
blood while trying to become closer to the spirits (Rambam, Guide for the
Perplexed) it is still in effect even when we are not combating idol worship.
Ramban feels that the prohibition of blood is primarily to
educate us towards respect and consideration for all living beings. Since God
endowed the animals with life- and the blood is the life force- it is improper
for “the possessor of a soul” to “consume another soul.”
If the point of not eating the blood is to teach us
sensitivity towards the animals then it would make sense that the law should be
in effect at all times and all over the world.
