...raven according to its kind (11:15)
The raven is forbidden to be eaten, yet the dove is kosher. This is because what we eat has an effect on our character. During the time of Noach the raven proved itself to be heartless and selfish while the dove was revealed to be modest and compassionate. At first the raven was sent from the Ark to find dry land, but instead it busied itself looking for food while everyone on the Ark was anxiously awaiting its return. Afterwards, Noach sent a dove which carried out the mission properly.
(R. Dov Aryeh Berzan)
Every earthen vessel... whatever is in it shall be unclean (Lev. 11:33)
An earthen vessel becomes unclean by virtue of its contents, not because of anything its exterior may come into contact with. For pottery itself has no intrinsic value, serving only as a container for whatever it holds. A metallic vessel, however, becomes unclean from the outside, as the metal itself is valuable. A human being is likened to an earthen vessel; he too is composed of "dust of the earth." He himself has no intrinsic worth; his value comes from that which is within.
(the Kotzker Rebbe)
You shall not make yourselves unclean with them, that you should be thereby defiled... you shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and you shall be holy (Lev. 11:43-44)
Our Sages said: He who defiles himself a little, is defiled a lot from Above; he who defiles himself in this world is defiled in the World to Come. Similarly, one who sanctifies himself a little is assisted and sanctified from Above; he who sanctifies himself in this world will be sanctified in the World to Come.
(Talmud, Yoma)
Moses told Aaron, "Come close to the altar" (Lev. 9:7)
Rashi states: Aaron was reserved and afraid to come close. Moses said to him, "Why are you reserved? For this you were chosen." The Baal Shem Tov explains Rashi: You were chosen for this - your reserve and modesty, and your doubts about being worthy, demonstrate your being fit for the job.
