Thursday, July 7, 2016

THE GRAND FEAST


Shemos: 22:30

Sources: Midrash Tehillim 766, Torah Shleimah p.147

The Torah warns: "Do not eat flesh torn off in the field by a predator. Cast it to the dogs". (22:30)

Rabbi Berachia said in the name of Rabbi Yaacov: "If someone eats animal flesh torn off by a predator, he will be judged by Hashem". But if he keeps this mitzvah, then a grand feast will be prepared for him. When Moshiach comes - He will eat the Livyoson fish and special meat, as it says: "And you will eat food and be satisfied". (Joel 2:26)

http://www.congregationlubavitch.org/page.asp?pageID=%7B33101C19-832E-41C2-B722-7A63D9D4AAD2%7D

What is the meaning of this feast? This commandment is given to the nations of Noah. It is given to restrain the lust of devouring G-d’s creatures. Should humans become no different from predators the hope of Mashiach could not shine through them to all creatures.

The livyoson, like a dragon of the sea, is a symbol of the very nature of the earth and its ecology in the absence of G-d’s immediate and personal presence. This is due to Adam’s sin. The poetic image of feasting on the livyoson is the promise of all creation being resotred to a state that is equal to and greater than that which would have been had Adam never sinned. A choice to east in a manner that is in contrast to that which the predators are forced now to eat can be a choice to testify to this hope and faith in the promise of Mashiach in the Torah and Scriptures.