What do crickets, cows, and cloven hooves have in common? In this week’s Pondering Parasha’s, we step into the intricate world of kosher laws in Parashat Shemini. Why does the Torah care about what animals we eat—and what do these laws teach us about holiness, boundaries, and being human?

Toby sets the stage with a reflection on spiritual distinctions, and then Chaim joins to explore what makes something pure, impure, or profoundly meaningful. It’s a journey through Leviticus 11, filled with ancient categories, curious questions, and a surprising amount of heart.