The laws of hybrids
Breeds: The Torah uses the word "breeds" to refer to animals born from a mixture of species. The Torah lists the following prohibitions, which are relevant for Noahides:
Not to crossbreed animals.
Crossbreeding trees is prohibited.
It is permitted to benefit from crossbreeding after it was created.
Why does G-d care which animals we crossbreed or if we hybridize trees? What can be learned from that? Do all prohibitions have a common purpose?
When G-d created the world, He made each plant and animal according to its species and ordered each species to reproduce according to its own kind. Crossbreeding and mixing of species is prohibited because it goes against G-d's plan of creation and the natural order He set in the world.
G-d created a world that can perpetuate itself continuously, but hybrids usually can't reproduce on their own. As a result, by creating hybrids, man diminishes the positive vitality of creation. Crossbreeding means that species that G-d created might be prevented from continuing. More in-depth, every creature has a spiritual source. When we crossbreed animals or trees, it could hurt the spiritual source and mix opposite forces.
One can create, but only within the framework of awareness of the Creator and His laws. We can only innovate in ways that do not cross the spiritual borders, the laws of the Torah. Violating them will not lead to a truly creative and productive result.
Preserving the natural order could be very important. The awareness of these issues arose in the last decades in the context of preserving the environment. Everyone can see what is happening when mankind interferes with the natural order of the creator that is stamped on creation. Humanity has a strong drive to change, but we need to be led by the infinite creator Who guides us towards an illuminated life.
Brought By Rabbi Moshe Bernestein
Rabbi Moshe Bernestein is a writer and a Community Rabbi in Netanya, Israel. He believes in making connections between the Jewish People and the Noahides worldwide in order to share and enhance the knowledge of the Torah's Universal Code for Humanity and fulfil Isaiah's Prophecy 11:9 " And the world will be filled with the knowledge of G-d as the waters cover the oceans".
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