DO NOT EAT IT [blood] POUR IT ON THE GROUND LIKE WATER. DO NOT EAT IT, SO THAT IT BE GOOD FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN AFTER YOU, THAT YOU DO WHAT IS RIGHT IN G-D'S EYES (Devarim 12:24-25).
Why is the prohibition of eating blood repeated?
This law should be observed not because blood is undesirable but because it is improper in "G-d's eyes" (Sforno).
If the blood is not eaten, why also pour it on the ground?
It should not even be stored in containers like other liquids (Sforno).
What is the appeal in blood that the Torah needs to emphasize the prohibition (see 12:23)?
There is no natural desire for blood. It is desired for mystical impurity, which Torah condemns (Sforno).
IF A PROPHET OR DREAMER ARISES IN YOUR MIDST AND GIVE A SIGN OR WONDER, AND THE SIGN OR WONDER COMES TRUE...(13: 2-3).
This verse speaks of a phony who leads people into idol worship (with a convincing sign nevertheless) . What is the difference between a prophet and a dreamer in this case?
Even if a person does not claim prophecy, but claims merely to have received a message in his dream to worship an idol, is equally guilty of this prohibition (Oznaim L'Torah).
YOU ARE CHILDREN TO G-D YOUR L-RD. DO NOT CUT YOURSELVES AND DO NOT PLACE A BALD SPOT BETWEEN YOUR EYES FOR THE DEAD. FOR YOU ARE A HOLY PEOPLE TO G-D YOUR L-RD (14:1-2).
What is wrong with defacing the body as a sign of grief?
Our self-worth comes from being creatures of G-d, called to His service. Cutting oneself is an expression of personal worthlessness G-d forbid. Our dignity is not dependent on any other human being, no matter how prominent or esteemed. The death of any person is not an occasion for self-mutilation (Rav Hirsch).
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