Parsha Points- Tzav 5772

Not Consuming Blood Teaches Us Sensitivity

In Parshat Tzav, Vayikra 7:26, we read: “You shall not consume any blood, in any of your dwelling places, whether from foul or from animals.”

Why does the pasuk have to say “in any of your dwelling places?” Why doesn’t it just say “you shall not consume blood?”

We learn from here that the law of not eating blood applies all over the world, not just in the Land of Israel. This is a personal obligation (hovat haguf) and not an agricultural obligation pertaining to the Land (hovat karka).

Rashi comments on Masechet Kidushin 37b that there was a need to mention “in any of your dwelling places” since we may have thought that since the prohibitions of blood and fats are found in the chapter of the korbanot (sacrifices) that the prohibitions apply only in the Land of Israel while the Beit HaMikdash is in existence and sacrifices are being brought. From here we see that no matter where we find ourselves in the world we may not eat the blood.

Sefer HaHinuch adds that this law is in effect at all times.

This law was not only in effect when the pagans ate the blood while trying to become closer to the spirits (Rambam, Guide for the Perplexed) it is still in effect even when we are not combating idol worship.

Ramban feels that the prohibition of blood is primarily to educate us towards respect and consideration for all living beings. Since God endowed the animals with life- and the blood is the life force- it is improper for “the possessor of a soul” to “consume another soul.”

If the point of not eating the blood is to teach us sensitivity towards the animals then it would make sense that the law should be in effect at all times and all over the world.