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In the Parsha Shemini

Plants Places
Animals
Compiled from: WWW.ORT.ORG The Living Torah by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan

ViYikra

Addax The addax fits within the classification of kosher and clean animals (see
Leviticus 11:3 and Deuteronomy 14:5). It is said to both chew cud
and to possess cloven hooves. The addax is a rare, spiral horned
member of the bovid family.

Diet: Herbivorous

Habitat: Sahara

Bactrian The Bactrian camel is alluded to in a text which outlines key

dietary precepts. It is stated there that owing to its lack of true
camel cloven hooves it is to be regarded as unclean and non-kosher.
(See Leviticus 11:4 )

The Bactrian camel is a wild, humped member of the camel

family.

Diet: Herbivorous

Habitat: Deserts in Africa.

Bat The bat is alluded to in a text which outlines key dietary

precepts. It is stated there that it is to be regarded as an
unclean and non-kosher. (See Leviticus 11:19 )

The bat is the only mammal that possesses an ability to

fly. It uses an echo-location technique for navigation.

Diet: Insectivorous

Habitat: Worldwide, except Polar regions.

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Chameleon The chameleon is described as a non-kosher and
unclean animal in a text which codifies key dietary
precepts (see Leviticus 11:30). It is also generally
regarded as a master of camouflage.

Diet: Insectivorous

Habitat: Forests in Africa.

Cormorant The Hebrew term Shalakh of Leviticus 11:17 is believed by some

translators to be a reference to a cormorant. Other scholars dispute
this and suggest instead that the word should be viewed as a
reference to an owl, and more specifically possibly a fish-owl. The
text states that the above animal be is to be regarded as unclean
and a non-kosher.

The cormorant is a black coastal bird which is related to the pelican.

Diet: Fish

Habitat: Temperate and tropical regions.

Voice: Guttural

Eagle The Hebrew term nesher of Leviticus 11:13 is

believed by some translators to be a reference to an
eagle. Other scholars dispute this and suggest
instead that the word should be viewed as a
reference to a griffin vulture. The text states that the
above animal is to be regarded as unclean and non-
kosher.

Diet: Carnivorous

Habitat: Europe, North America and Asia.

Voice: Yelping.

Falcon The Hebrew term radak of Leviticus 11:17 is believed by some

translators to be a reference to a falcon. Some scholars dispute this and
suggest instead that the word should be viewed as a reference to an owl or
to a little owl. The text states that the above animal is to be regarded as
unclean and non-kosher.

The falcon is a medium sized bird of prey with stereoscopic vision.

Diet: Carnivorous

Habitat: In different areas throughout the World.

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Ferret The Hebrew term tzav of Leviticus 11:29 is
believed by some translators to be a reference to
a ferret. Some scholars dispute this and suggest
instead that the word should be viewed as a
reference to either a toad or a tortoise. The text
states that the above animal is to be regarded as
non-kosher and unclean.

The Ferret is a wild member of the mustelid

family.

Diet: Carnivorous

Habitat: In various areas including the plains of

North America where it presently faces extinction.
Gecko The Hebrew term anakah of Leviticus 11:30 is believed by
some translators to be a reference to a gecko. Other scholars
dispute this and suggest that the word should be viewed as a
reference to a hedgehog. The text states that the above animal is
to be regarded as non-kosher and unclean. The gecko has sticky
pads on its toes.

Diet: Insectivorous

Habitat: Forests and deserts.

Voice: Groaning.

Gull The gull or the shachaf of the Hebrew text is described

as a non-kosher and unclean animal in a text which
codifies key dietary precepts (see Leviticus 11:16).

The text states that the above animal is to be viewed as

non-kosher and unclean.

It is a migratory sea bird.

Diet: Omnivorous

Habitat: Worldwide
Hare The hare is alluded to in a text which outlines key dietary precepts. It is
stated there that owing to its lack of true hooves it is to be regarded as
unclean and un-kosher. (See Leviticus 11:6 )

The hare is a long-eared animal with strong long back legs.

Diet: Herbivorous

Habitat: Worldwide except Antarctica.

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Hawk The Hebrew term netz of Leviticus 11:6 is believed by some
translators to be a reference to a Hawk. Some scholars dispute this
and suggest instead that the word should be viewed as a reference
to a goshawk. The text states that the above animal is to be
regarded as unclean and non-kosher.

The Hawk is a mid-air hunting bird and varies greatly in size and
appearance.

Diet: Carnivorous

Habitat: Worldwide, except Polar regions.

Hedgehog The Hebrew term anakah of Leviticus 11:30 is considered

by some scholars to be a reference to a hedgehog. Other
scholars dispute this and suggest instead that the term refers
to either a mole or a gecko or a beaver or a mouse. The
above species is alluded to in a text which outlines key
dietary precepts and is said there to be a non-kosher and
unclean animal.

The hedgehog is a spinney hibernating animal.

Diet: Carnivorous

Habitat: Africa, Europe, Asia and New Zealand.

Heron The Heron or the Anapha of the Hebrew text is described as a non-kosher
and unclean animal in a text which codifies key dietary precepts (see
Leviticus 11:19).

The Heron is a medium sized bird that nests in colonies which are called
heronries.

Diet: Fish

Habitat: Worldwide

Voice: Harsh

Hoopoe The Hebrew term dukhiphath of Leviticus 11:19 is believed by some

translators to be a reference to a hoopoe. Some scholars dispute this
and suggest instead that the word should be viewed as a reference to
a mountain cock, possibly a capercaillie. The text states that the
above animal be regarded as non-kosher and unclean.

The hoopoe is an exotic looking bird, whose head is crowned by a

large crest of feathers.

Diet: Insectivorous

Habitat: Africa, South East Europe and Asia.

Voice: The bird's name is onomatopoeic and hence very reminiscent

to the sound of its call.

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Hyrax The Hebrew term shafan of Leviticus 11:5 is
considered by some scholars to be a reference to a
hyrax. Some scholars dispute this and suggest instead
that the term should be viewed as a reference to a
jerboa. The above text states that the hyrax is to be
regarded as unclean and non-kosher owing to its lack
of true hooves.
The hyrax is a short legged animal which is related to
the elephant.
Diet: Herbivorous
Habitat: Negev Mountains, Africa and South West Asia.
Ibis The Hebrew tern Yanshuf of Leviticus 11:17 is
believed by some translators to be a reference to
an ibis. Some scholars dispute this and suggest
instead that the word should be viewed as a
reference to either a falcon, a little owl or a long-
eared owl. The text states that the above animal is
to be regarded as non-kosher and unclean.
Diet: Insectivorous/Carnivorous (Carrion)
Habitat: Wetlands and plains in many countries.

Jerboa The Hebrew term shafan of Leviticus

11:5 is believed by some translators to be a
reference to a hyrax. Some scholars dispute
this and suggest instead that the term
should be viewed as a reference to a jerboa.
The text states that the above animal be
regarded as non-kosher and unclean.

The jerboa resembles a miniature kangaroo.

Diet: Herbivorous

Habitat: Africa, East Europe and Asia.

Kite The Hebrew term da'ah of Leviticus 11:14 is
believed by some translators to be a reference to a
kite. Some scholars dispute this and suggest instead
that the word should be viewed as a reference to a
vulture. The text states that the above animal is to
be regarded as non-kosher and unclean.

The kite is a small member of the hawk family.

Diet: Carnivorous.

Habitat: In the southerly parts of secluded valleys.

Voice: Wailing.

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Locusts The red, yellow, spotted grey and white varieties of locusts
are classified as kosher animals in a text which codifies key
dietary precepts (see Leviticus 11:22). Locusts also
appear as the protagonists of God's 8th plague against the
Egyptians.
The red locust is the most destructive member of the locust
family. The yellow locust has a long bald head and the white
locust is the smallest member of the locust family.
Diet: Herbivorous.
Habitat: Worldwide, except Antarctica.
Magpie The Hebrew term Racham of
Leviticus 11:18 is believed by
some translators to be a reference to
a magpie. Some scholars dispute this
and suggest instead that the term
should be viewed as a reference to a
little desert owl. The text states that
the above animal be regarded as
non-kosher and unclean.
The magpie is a member of the crow
family.
Diet: Wide range of food
Habitat: Woodland, parks and
gardens
Voice: Harsh, chattering (mimics
human speech).
Mole The Hebrew term anakah of Leviticus 11:30
is believed by some translators to be a
reference to a mole. Some scholars dispute
this and suggest instead that the term should
be viewed as a reference to a hedgehog or a
gecko. The text states that the above animal be
regarded as non-kosher and unclean. The mole
lives underground.
Diet: Insectivorous
Habitat: Europe, North America and Asia.
Monitor The Hebrew term Ko'ach of Leviticus
11:30 is believed by some translators to
be a reference to a monitor. Other scholars
dispute this and suggest that the word
should be viewed as a reference to a
chameleon. The text states that the above
animal is to be regarded as non-kosher
and unclean. The monitor is one of the
world's largest lizards.
Diet: Carnivorous
Habitat: Coast of Israel, Negev, Africa, Asia
and Australia.
Voice: Loud hiss.

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Mouse The mouse is alluded to in a text which outlines key
dietary precepts. It is stated there that it is to be
regarded as unclean and non-kosher (see Leviticus
11:29).

The mouse is a small hibernating rodent.

Diet: Herbivorous

Habitat: Worldwide.

Osprey The Hebrew term Azniyah of Leviticus 11:13

is believed by some translators to be a reference
to an osprey. Some scholars dispute this and
suggest instead that the word should be viewed
as a reference to an albatross or alternatively as
a reference to a black vulture. The text states
that the above animal is to be regarded as
unclean and non-kosher.

The osprey is a large member of the hawk

family.

Diet: Carnivorous

Habitat: Worldwide, except Antarctica

Voice: Repeated high pitched whistles.

Ossifrage The Hebrew term peres of Leviticus 11:13 is
believed by some translators to be a reference to an
ossifrage. Some scholars dispute this and suggest
instead that the word should be viewed as a reference
to a bearded vulture. The text states that the above
animal is to be regarded unclean and non-kosher.

It is the largest European bird of prey

Diet: Carnivorous

Habitat: Mountain areas from the Pyrenees to India.

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Ostrich The Hebrew term bath yaanah of Leviticus 11:16 is
believed by some translators to be a reference to an
ostrich. Some scholars dispute this and suggest instead
that the term should be regarded as a reference to a
desert eagle owl. The text states that the above animal
be regarded as non-kosher and unclean.

The ostrich is the largest member of the non-flying birds.

Diet: Carnivorous/Herbivorous

Habitat: Sandy plains

Voice: Mournful cry.

Owl The Hebrew term tachmas of Leviticus 11:16 is believed by some

translators to be a reference to an owl. Some scholars dispute this and
suggest instead that the word be viewed as a reference to a falcon.
The text states that the above animal is to be regarded as non-kosher
and unclean.

It is a nocturnal hunting bird.

Diet: Carnivorous

Habitat: Worldwide

Voice: Hooting and Eerie.

Pelican The Hebrew tern ka'ath of Leviticus 11:18 is

believed by some translators to be a reference to a
pelican. Some scholars dispute this and suggest
instead that the word should be viewed as a
reference to a little desert owl. The text states that
the above animal is to be regarded as non-kosher
and unclean.

Diet: Fish

Habitat: Hula Reserve in Israel, Africa, Europe and

Asia.

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Raven The raven is described as a non-kosher and unclean
animal in a text which codifies key dietary precepts
(see Leviticus 11:15 ).

The raven is the largest member of the crow family.

Diet: Carnivorous (Carrion)

Habitat: Worldwide in many environments.

Voice: Croaking.

Salamander The Hebrew term tinshemeh of Leviticus

11:30 is believed by some translators to be
a reference to a mole. Other scholars
dispute this and suggest instead that the
word should be viewed as a reference to a
salamander. The above animal is said to be
unclean. It is a non-kosher amphibian with
strong limbs.

Diet: Carnivorous

Habitat: Everywhere but Antarctica and

Greenland.
Sheep The sheep is considered to be kosher and
clean according to a central dietary rule (see
Leviticus 11:3). The sheep is a wool
producing ruminant.

Diet: Herbivorous

Habitat: Worldwide.

Skink The Hebrew term chomet of Leviticus

11:30 is believed by some translators to
be reference to a skink. Other scholars
dispute this and suggest that the word
should be viewed as a reference to a
snail. The text states that the above
animal is to be regarded as non-kosher
and unclean. The skink is a small,
brightly colored lizard.

Diet: Insectivorous/Herbivorous

Habitat: In most warm regions of the

world.

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Stork The stork or the chasidah of the Hebrew text of Leviticus
11:19 is described as a non-kosher and unclean animal in
a text which codifies key dietary precepts (see Leviticus
11:19). Some scholars dispute this identification: according
to them the stork belongs to a kosher group of animals, and
is not therefore the correct translation for the term chasidah.

Diet: Frogs

Habitat: Worldwide.

Swan The Hebrew term tinshemeth of Leviticus 11:18 is

believed by some translators to be a reference to a swan.
Other scholars dispute this and suggest instead that the
word should be viewed as a reference to either a bat or to an
owl, possibly more specifically a barn screech owl. The text
states that the above animal is to be regarded as non-kosher
and unclean.

The swan is one of the largest water birds. It is endowed with

a thick plumage.

Diet: Herbivorous

Habitat: North West Europe

Voice: Hiss

Weasel The Hebrew term choled of Leviticus 11:29 is considered by

some translators to be a reference to weasel. Other scholars
dispute this and suggest instead that the term should be viewed as
a reference to an ermine or a martin or a rat or a mole or lastly a
mole-rat. The text states that the above animal is to be viewed as
non-kosher and unclean.

The weasel is a fearsome predator and is a member of the

mustelid family.

Diet: Carnivorous

Habitat: Africa, Europe, America and Asia.

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