Parsha Mitzvot: Shemini: Mitzvah 150 – Concept 178

“This you may eat from everything that is in the water; everything that has fins and scales in the water, in the seas, and in the streams, those you may eat (Vayikra 11:9) We are commanded to examine the signs of fish to distinguish between the kosher and non-kosher (Rambam, Hilchot Ma’achalot Assurot – The Laws of Forbidden Foods).

Fins and scales appear as crowns of protection. We cannot exist without maintaing boundaries of protection and viewing those boundaries as crowns of glory and dignity, (Rabbi Menachem ha-Bavli)

Think of your head covering, a yarmulkah or sheitel as a Crown of protection.

Consider each time that you pause before acting or speaking to reflect on whether it will reflect your inner dignity. The pause itself, is considered a Crown of Dignity.