“With friends like these, who needs enemies?” We’ve all heard that saying. The pain inflicted by someone we trust as a friend can cut much deeper because our guard is down. When dealing with an obvious enemy, we remain vigilant, ensuring they don’t harm us. The same applies to negative influences. We instinctively avoid people or things that are clearly harmful, but we are often caught off guard and negatively impacted by those who present themselves as righteous or kind.
This idea is found in this week’s Torah portion, Parshat Shemini. For an animal to be kosher, it must meet two criteria: it must chew its cud and have split hooves. The Torah specifies four animals that are not kosher because they possess only one of these signs. The camel, the “Shafan,” and the “Arneves” chew their cud but lack split hooves, while the pig has split hooves but does not chew its cud.
For each of these animals, the Torah first mentions the kosher sign they possess before highlighting the trait they lack. Why doesn’t the Torah simply declare them non-kosher based on the missing requirement.
The Kli Yakar provides a profound explanation. The Torah emphasizes the kosher trait these animals possess to highlight the danger of their partial resemblance to kosher animals. Take the pig, for example—it proudly displays its split hooves, creating the outward appearance of being kosher. However, it is not, as it does not chew its cud. (This is where the Yiddish term “Chazer Feese” – Pig’s feet – comes from) These animals are deceptive, tricking us into thinking they are kosher when they are not.
This serves as a powerful lesson for us. When someone’s flaws or harmful traits are evident, we can take steps to protect ourselves. But those who appear virtuous while hiding harmful intentions or misguided values pose a far greater danger. Their facade of goodness lowers our defences, making it harder to recognize the truth until it’s too late.
Good Shabbos,
Rabbi Shaps and the JET Team
