Parshat Shemini
17 Nissan 5764

April 26, 2004
Daf Yomi: Chulin 85

Guest Author:
Rabbi Yirmiya Milevsky

Young Israel of Memphis, TN

 

Fins and Scales
The Torah gives us two signs by which we can determine the status of aquatic creatures:

"You may eat any creature that lives in the water, whether in seas or rivers, as long as it has fins and scales.: (Vayikra 11:9)
The Talmud (Chullin 66b) points out an interesting zoological fact -all fish with scales have fins as well, but fish with fins do not necessarily have scales.

As a result of this rule, when we walk in to the fish market to purchase kosher fish, the only sign we have to look for are the scales.

Once we spot scales on the fish we may consider it kosher, and no need for a tradition on that specific species is required.
However in light of this general rule, one cannot help but wonder why the Torah mentions fins at all, since their presence does not affect the laws of kashrus. Scales should be the only determinant.

The commentators explain that the Torah mentions both scales and fins to convey to us a very basic principle of Jewish survival. The Sages liken the Torah to water and the Jewish people to fish - just as fish cannot live outside of water, Jews as a people cannot exist without Torah. The scales and fins of fish represent two essential aspects of Jewish continuity.

The scales are comprised of a thickened layer of "skin" that is designed to ward off external dangers, such as sudden changes in temperature and water pressure. Fins enable fish to maneuver in the water and turn in different directions.

To endure the trials and tribulations of thousands of years of exile, the Jewish people have had to develop a "thick skin" to shield them from dangerous external influences. Jews have managed to survive because of their ability to resist change and to limit their interaction with the non-Jews among whom they have dwelled.

In fact many of the rabbinic decrees were established for this purpose, to guard the Jew from the outside world, so he could continue the mission of transmitting the word of HaShem to the next generation.

The scales of kosher fish represent these social barriers that the exiled Jew has had to erect around himself.

However, a Jew cannot isolate himself completely from the society in which he lives. In order to survive, he must adapt certain elements of his lifestyle to the customs of society. From speaking the vernacular, to understanding and following the law of the land, all this is required by the Jew during his time in exile.

The fins of kosher fish represent this ability of the Jew to adapt himself. As the fins guide the fish to change direction and adapt to his new environment and challenge, so to the Jew must learn to do so in exile.

This is the reason Yaakov used the metaphor of fish when he blessed the sons of Yosef:

"May He bless the lads, and let them carry my name, along with the names of my fathers, Avraham and Yitzchak. May they increase in the land like fish�. (Bereishis 48:16)

Unlike their cousins, Yosef's sons were born and bred in exile. They grew up among non-Jews and were exposed to the degenerate values of an extremely depraved and corrupt society. They, more than any of Yaakov's other grandsons, needed the blessing of fins and scales.

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