Not Plowing Together and Shatnez – Wool & Linen

Not Plowing Together

Reason For the Commandment

• Torah refers to what is common in that time
• Mitzvah in context
• Inner reason of separation of this Issur

Rosh

• Any two differing species
• Leads to cross breading of species
• Learn to all particulars of the general
• Action is important, synonymous to other laws of forbidden mixtures
• Level of gevurah (ox) from chasadim (donkey)

Rambam

• Only a mixing of a tahor and a tameh animal
• Leads to cruelty to animals
• Apply only to the general category
• Outcome is the main point, which is differing from other similar forbidden mixtures
• Separate holy (ox) from kelipa (donkey)

Shatnez – Wool & Linen

Understanding Concept

• Rashi: Need all 3 activities of combing, spinning and weaving. One category of joining 2 entities to become a new single entity (totally mixed). Similar to the vineyard.
• Rabeinu Tam: Issur only if woven together as one (regardless if combed or spun). Each item not mixed in its essence. External combination – similar to plowing.
• Rambam: Any one of 3 actions: Combed or spun or woven. Even if not combined into one entity. Intermediate comparison: similar to mixing species; requires joining but not to the extent of becoming one entity.

Three Mixtures

When Combined Result

• Shatnez Clothes (צומח וחי): Remains distinct items. Min b’aino mino. Mitzvah & holiness. Can lead to peace.
• Vineyard Plants (צומח): Produces a strange result, outside of the normal order & opposite to G-d’s will. Mixture of opposites. Leads to disagreement and arguments.
• Not Plowing (cross-breeding) Animals (חי):