As has been frequently stated, everything in the Torah serves as a lesson, an instruction for a person to apply in his life. Therefore, the fact that the signs in an animal are, at the very least, indications of the kosher status of the animal, also teaches that the traits that parallel chewing the cud and having split hooves reflect positive virtues. Having or lacking qualities that correspond to these characteristics clarify and distinguish a person’s conduct, whether it is pure, or the opposite (Heaven forbid).
There is yet another aspect to this: These criteria and identifying signs for kosher status pertain specifically to an animal. Similarly with regard to a person, they apply to the “animal” in his heart, the animal soul. [However,] these criteria and identifying signs do not apply concerning the matters of the Divine soul: The Torah and its commandments. They are inherently good. Accordingly, whether the Torah and its mitzvos are carried out completely for their own sake (lishmah) or with ulterior motives, external criteria are not necessary to determine their acceptability, because even when one acts with ulterior motives, one should still study Torah and fulfill its commandments. As our Sages state, “One should always study [Torah] and fulfill [its] commandments even [if] not for their own sake, because from doing so not for their own sake, one will eventually come to do so for their own sake.” The criteria for a kosher animal used to clarify the nature of a person’s actions are necessary only regarding material matters that are connected with the animal soul; one must discern whether the “animal” is kosher or not.
The Torah mentions both types of animals, not only the kosher animals but also the non-kosher animals. This means that even when conducting oneself according to Torah, one can also [behave as] a non-kosher animal, so to speak. As Ramban says, one can be “a degenerate with the permission of the Torah,” indulging in permitted pleasures without restraint. It will appear to the person that he is acting with the permission of the Torah, for he is not transgressing any prohibitions. In truth, however, he is violating the commandment, “You shall be holy,” which is a fundamental and primary commandment. To distinguish what is a kosher animal, the Torah gives two signs: a) split hooves [and] b) chewing cud. We must thus clarify [these signs’] corresponding qualities in our conduct.
