In this weeks Parsha we come across first the first time a distinction between טהור (pure) animals and טמא (impure) animals.
Although man was not yet permitted to consume animal flesh, so the practical application of this concept was not to be revealed until divine revelation at Sinai, there was indeed a certain relevance to Noachides – the people of the time who kept the Seven Noachide Laws. They were only allowed to bring offerings from תהור animals. The conclusion we draw from this, namely that Jews are only allowed to eat that which is permitted to be offered by all of mankind, is beyond the scope of these few paragraphs.
נח is commanded, when God is informing him how to populate the ark: “of every pure animal you shall take” (7:2) whereas previously concerning the impure animals he is told “they will come to you” (6:20). Why is there this distinction?
What does תהור mean? It is related to the word “צהור” meaning transparent, having the ability for light to pass through it. Consequently תהור has the connotations of being receptive, being able to accept the light of God.
The dietary laws for which Jews are obligated to keep for all of time are not intended to preserve bodily health, nor are they related to climatic conditions. (Both reasons being documented elsewhere). After all, we are commanded to sustain a גר תושב living in Israel and are permitted to do so using forbidden foods.
The true reason, according to Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, is that animals are “pure” only if they are receptive to human influence; they submit their nature to man without requiring taming; they serve his purposes; and beastliness and passion do not overwhelmingly predominate in them. Whereas animals which are “impure” have that status because they are unable to control their base instincts and can only be tamed, if at all, through violence, which is detrimental to nature.
The same applies when animals are to be used for a קרבן. As can be clearly seen throughout נך, the main purpose of a קרבן is to express complete devotion to God. Through the blood spilled we promise to devote our own lifeblood to God’s will. Hence only animals which are nearest to man’s nature are suitable for a קרבן. The instincts of the pure animals are what Jews should aspire to have within them. Accordingly, only those animals that were later permitted to Jews as food are fit to be used as offerings – the same reason applies in both instances.
Consequently we can see why נח was commanded to actively take of the pure animals, while the impure animals would come to him. The pure animals by their very nature are meant to educate mankind which, in those days, was achieved by offering them up as a קרבן. These days we can achieve this by eating them. Conversely impure animals are not meant to be digested in any way, physically or emotionally.
Literally food for thought.