Let’s explore the Torah’s teachings on biblically correct foods and their scriptural basis. 1. Clean and Unclean Animals The Torah clearly distinguishes between animals that are “clean” (permissible to eat) and “unclean” (not permissible). This distinction is laid out in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14. Clean Land Animals: Animals that chew the cud and have split hooves are considered clean. Examples include cattle, sheep, and goats. “Whatever parts the hoof and is cloven-footed and chews the cud, among the animals, you may eat” (Leviticus 11:3). Unclean Land Animals: Animals that do not meet both criteria—such as pigs (which have split hooves but do not chew the cud) and camels (which chew the cud but do not have split hooves)—are unclean. “And the pig, because it parts the hoof but does not chew the cud, is unclean for you” (Leviticus 11:7). 2. Sea Creatures The Torah specifies that sea creatures must have fins and scales to be considered clean. This excludes shellfish like shrimp, crab, and lobster, as well as other sea creatures such as catfish and eels. “These you may eat of all that are in the waters: whatever has fins and scales, whether in the seas or in the rivers, you may eat. But anything in the seas or the rivers that does not have fins and scales... is detestable to you” (Leviticus 11:9-10). 3. Birds While the Torah does not provide specific characteristics for clean birds, it lists several species that are unclean, including vultures, owls, ravens, and bats (Leviticus 11:13-19). Clean birds typically include those that are not scavengers or birds of prey, such as chickens, ducks, and doves. 4. Insects Although most insects are deemed unclean, the Torah makes an exception for certain types of locusts, crickets, and grasshoppers. “Yet these you may eat: the locust after its kind, the destroying locust after its kind, the cricket after its kind, and the grasshopper after its kind” (Leviticus 11:22). 5. Prohibited Consumption of Blood and Fat The Torah strictly forbids the consumption of blood, as it represents life, which belongs to YAH. “For the life of the flesh is in the blood... Therefore I have said to the people of Israel, ‘You shall not eat the blood of any creature’” (Leviticus 17:11-12). Additionally, the fat of certain animals is also prohibited. “You shall eat no fat, of ox or sheep or goat” (Leviticus 7:23). 6. Leaven During Passover During Passover, the Torah commands the removal of leaven (yeast) from one’s diet and household to commemorate the Israelites’ swift departure from Egypt. “Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread. On the first day you shall remove leaven out of your houses...” (Exodus 12:15). 7. Fruits, Vegetables, and Grains Fruits, vegetables, and grains are largely considered clean and permissible. However, the Torah instructs on how and when they can be consumed, particularly in the context of offerings and firstfruits. For instance, newly planted trees’ fruits must not be eaten for the first three years (Leviticus 19:23-25). 8. Holiness and Obedience in Diet Adhering to these dietary laws is not merely about physical health but spiritual obedience and sanctity. The Torah reminds believers to be holy, as YAHUAH is holy: “For I am the YAHUAH Elohaykem: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any matter of creeping thing that creeps upon the earth. ” (Leviticus 11:44). 9. Modern Relevance While these laws were given specifically to the Israelites, many people today, including Jews and some Christians, choose to follow these guidelines as an act of faith. They see these dietary restrictions as a way to honor YAH, maintain discipline, and cultivate a sense of identity rooted in Scripture. Conclusion The Torah provides clear instructions on which foods are considered biblically correct, emphasizing holiness and obedience. From clean animals to the prohibition of blood and unclean creatures, these guidelines reflect YAH’s desire for His people to live distinctively. Whether you’re exploring these laws for spiritual, cultural, or health reasons, they serve as a timeless reminder of the importance of aligning one’s life—and diet—with YAH’s will. “You shall therefore keep all my statutes and all my rules and do them, that the land where I am bringing you to live may not vomit you out” (Leviticus 20:22). By following these principles, one not only nourishes the body but also honors the Most High.