Not Plowing Together and Shatnez – Wool & Linen

Not Plowing Together

Reason For the CommandmentTorah Refers to What is Common in that TimeMitzvah in ContextInner Reason of Separation of this IssurRosh: Any two differing species. Leads to cross breeding 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 CombinedResultShatnez 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)