Derasha 249 on Vayikra 11:43

TT #249 · Parshas Shemini · Aliyah 7 · Passuk 43

The Complete Passuk

אַל־תְּשַׁקְּצוּ אֶת־נַפְשֹׁתֵיכֶם בְּכָל־הַשֶּׁרֶץ הַשֹּׁרֵץ וְלֹא תִטַּמְּאוּ בָּהֶם וְנִטְמֵתֶם בָּם:

Chabad.org — Vayikra Chapter 11 with Rashi

English: “Do not make yourselves detestable”: Rav Kahana was standing before Rava when a creature passed over his mouth, illustrating the practical concern of avoiding such contact.

Source Citation

Shabbos 90b.

E-Daf.com — Shabbos 90b (Tsurras Hadaf)

Core Text of Chazal

Core Text
אַל תְּשַׁקְּצוּ. רַב כָּהֲנָא הֲוָה קָאֵים קַמֵּיהּ דְּרָבָא, וְהֲוָה קָעֲבַר שׁוּשִׁיבָא אַפּוּמֵיהּ.

Type of Learning

Practical application — The Chazal applies the verse’s wording and structure to establish the stated teaching.

What Is Learned

The prohibition of making oneself repulsive applies even to conduct involving a repulsive creature.