## Mishneh Torah, Forbidden Foods Chapter 8

###### Mishneh Torah, Forbidden Foods 8:1
[Mishneh Torah, Forbidden Foods 8:1](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mishneh%20Torah%2C%20Forbidden%20Foods/r/8:1)

גִּיד הַנָּשֶׁה נוֹהֵג בִּבְהֵמָה וְחַיָּה הַטְּהוֹרִין וַאֲפִלּוּ בִּנְבֵלוֹת וּטְרֵפוֹת שֶׁלָּהֶן. וְנוֹהֵג בְּשָׁלִיל וּבְמֻקְדָּשִׁין בֵּין קָדָשִׁים הַנֶּאֱכָלִים בֵּין קָדָשִׁים שֶׁאֵינָן נֶאֱכָלִין. וְנוֹהֵג בְּיָרֵךְ שֶׁל יָמִין וּבְיָרֵךְ שֶׁל שְׂמֹאל. וְאֵין אָסוּר מִן הַתּוֹרָה אֶלָּא שֶׁעַל כַּף הַיָּרֵךְ בִּלְבַד שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (בראשית לב לג) "אֲשֶׁר עַל כַּף הַיָּרֵךְ". אֲבָל שְׁאָר הַגִּיד שֶׁלְּמַעְלָה מִן הַכַּף וְשֶׁלְּמַטָּה עַד סוֹפוֹ וְכֵן חֵלֶב שֶׁעַל הַגִּיד אֵינוֹ אָסוּר אֶלָּא מִדִּבְרֵי סוֹפְרִים. וּשְׁנֵי גִּידִין הֵן. הַפְּנִימִי הַסָּמוּךְ לָעֶצֶם אָסוּר מִן הַתּוֹרָה. וְהָעֶלְיוֹן כֻּלּוֹ אָסוּר מִדִּבְרֵיהֶם:

**Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007:**
[The prohibition against partaking of] the *gid hanesheh*¹. In commemoration of this event, "The children of Israel do not eat the *gid hanesheh*.
The Rabbis identified the *gid hanesheh* as the sciatic nerve, the large main nerve running down the back of an animal's hind leg. The term *gid*, though sometimes translated as "sinew," is a general term. As the Rambam writes in his Commentary to the Mishnah (*Zevachim* 3:4), it is used to refer to arteries, veins, tendons, nerves, and sinews. applies with regard to kosher² domesticated animals and wild beasts,³ (negative commandment 183) and *Sefer HaChinuch* (mitzvah 3) include this prohibition among the 613 mitzvot of the Torah. even *nevelot* and *trefot*.⁴ It applies to a fetus⁵ (*Yoreh De'ah* 65:7 does not cite the Rambam's view, but instead quotes two differing opinions: one that the prohibition does not apply to a fetus at all and another, that it applies only when the fetus has completed the period of gestation and is discovered alive. and to animals that have been consecrated, both those consecrated [for sacrifices] of which we partake and for sacrifices of which we do not partake. It applies to [the *gid*] on the right thigh and that on the left thigh.⁶
According to Scriptural Law, only [the *gid*] on the hip socket is forbidden, as [Genesis 32:33] states: "which is on the hip-socket." The remainder of the *gid* which is above the socket or below the socket - and similarly, the fat which is on the *gid* - are forbidden only according to Rabbinic decree.⁷ There are two *giddim*. The inner one next to the bone is forbidden according to Scriptural Law. The entire outer one is forbidden by Rabbinic decree.

footnotes:
¹ Genesis, ch. 32, relates that before his confrontation with Esau, Jacob remained alone in his camp. An unidentified being - interpreted by the Torah commentaries to be Esau's archangel - wrestled with him the entire night. When he saw that he could not defeat Jacob, he gave him a blow to his upper thigh, dislocating his gid hanesheh
² See Halachah 5.
³ Sefer HaMitzvot
⁴ See Halachah 6.
⁵ The Shulchan Aruch
⁶ Although the angel only dislodged the nerve on one of Jacob's legs, we are forbidden to partake of the nerves from both sides.
⁷ See Halachah 7 concerning the removal of this nerve.


###### Mishneh Torah, Forbidden Foods 8:2
[Mishneh Torah, Forbidden Foods 8:2](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mishneh%20Torah%2C%20Forbidden%20Foods/r/8:2)

הָאוֹכֵל מִגִּיד הַנָּשֶׁה הַפְּנִימִי מִמָּקוֹם שֶׁעַל הַכַּף לוֹקֶה. וְאִם אָכַל מֵחֶלְבּוֹ אוֹ מִשְּׁאָר הַגִּיד הַפְּנִימִי אוֹ מִכָּל הַחִיצוֹן מַכִּין אוֹתוֹ מַכַּת מַרְדּוּת. וְכַמָּה שִׁעוּר אֲכִילָה. כְּזַיִת. וְאִם אָכַל הַגִּיד שֶׁעַל הַכַּף כֻּלּוֹ אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁאֵין בּוֹ כְּזַיִת לוֹקֶה מִפְּנֵי שֶׁהוּא כִּבְרִיָּה בִּפְנֵי עַצְמָהּ:

**Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007:**
When a person partakes of the inner *gid hanesheh* on the socket, he is liable for lashes.⁸ If he partakes of the fat [of the *gid*], the remainder of the inner *gid*, or the entire outer one, he is liable for stripes for rebellious conduct.⁹
What is the measure of which one must partake to be liable? An olive-sized portion. If one ate the entire *gid* on the socket, one is liable, even though it is less than an olive in size. The rationale is that it is considered as a self-contained entity.¹⁰

footnotes:
⁸ Because he violates a Scriptural prohibition.
⁹ For violating a Rabbinic prohibition.
¹⁰ Accordingly, even if it is less than an olive-sized portion in size, one is liable. Compare to Chapter 2, Halachah 21, Chapter 15, Halachah 17, and Chapter 16, Halachah 6.


###### Mishneh Torah, Forbidden Foods 8:3
[Mishneh Torah, Forbidden Foods 8:3](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mishneh%20Torah%2C%20Forbidden%20Foods/r/8:3)

אָכַל כְּזַיִת מִגִּיד שֶׁל יָמִין וּכְזַיִת מִגִּיד שֶׁל שְׂמֹאל. אוֹ שֶׁאָכַל שְׁנֵי גִּידִים כֻּלָּן. אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁאֵין בָּהֶן כְּזַיִת לוֹקֶה שְׁמוֹנִים. (וְכֵן הוּא לוֹקֶה עַל כָּל גִּיד וְגִיד):

**Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007:**
When a person eats an olive-sized portion of the *gid* on the right side and an olive-sized portion of the *gid* on the left side, or he ate two entire *giddim* even if they are not the size of an olive, he receives 80 lashes. He is given lashes for every *gid* independently.¹¹. Otherwise, he receives only one set of lashes. The *Maggid Mishneh* states that the Rambam would also accept that interpretation.

footnotes:
¹¹ Rav Moshe HaCohen writes that this ruling applies when the person was given a separate warning for each gid


###### Mishneh Torah, Forbidden Foods 8:4
[Mishneh Torah, Forbidden Foods 8:4](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mishneh%20Torah%2C%20Forbidden%20Foods/r/8:4)

הָעוֹף אֵין בּוֹ מִשּׁוּם גִּיד הַנָּשֶׁה מִפְּנֵי שֶׁאֵין לוֹ כַּף יָרֵךְ אֶלָּא יְרֵכוֹ אָרֹךְ. וְאִם נִמְצָא עוֹף שֶׁיְּרֵכוֹ כְּיֶרֶךְ הַבְּהֵמָה שֶׁיֵּשׁ לוֹ כַּף גִּיד הַנָּשֶׁה שֶׁלּוֹ אָסוּר וְאֵין לוֹקִין עָלָיו. וְכֵן בְּהֵמָה שֶׁכַּף יְרֵכָהּ אָרֹךְ כְּשֶׁל עוֹף גִּיד הַנָּשֶׁה שֶׁלָּהּ אָסוּר וְאֵין לוֹקִין עָלָיו:

**Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007:**
The prohibition against *gid hanesheh* does not apply with regard to a fowl, because it does not have a [round]¹² 92b. hip-socket. Instead, its thigh is long [and flat]. If there is a fowl whose thigh is shaped like that of the thigh of an animal, i.e., it has a hip-socket, its *gid hanesheh* is forbidden, but one is not liable for lashes, because of it. Similarly, when there is an animal whose thigh is long like that of a fowl, its *gid hanesheh* is forbidden, but one is not liable for lashes for it.¹³ 92b discusses these issues and leaves both matters unresolved; hence, the Rambam's rulings.

footnotes:
¹² This explanatory addition is based on Chullin
¹³ Chullin


###### Mishneh Torah, Forbidden Foods 8:5
[Mishneh Torah, Forbidden Foods 8:5](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mishneh%20Torah%2C%20Forbidden%20Foods/r/8:5)

הָאוֹכֵל גִּיד הַנָּשֶׁה מִבְּהֵמָה וְחַיָּה הַטְּמֵאִים פָּטוּר לְפִי שֶׁאֵינוֹ נוֹהֵג בִּטְמֵאָה אֶלָּא בִּבְהֵמָה שֶׁכֻּלָּהּ מֻתֶּרֶת. וְאֵינוֹ כְּאוֹכֵל מִשְּׁאָר גּוּפָהּ שֶׁאֵין הַגִּידִים מִכְּלַל הַבָּשָׂר כְּמוֹ שֶׁבֵּאַרְנוּ. וְאִם אָכַל מֵחֵלֶב שֶׁעַל הַגִּיד הֲרֵי זֶה כְּאוֹכֵל מִבְּשָׂרָהּ:

**Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007:**
When a person eats the *gid hanesheh* from a non-kosher domesticated animal or wild beast, he is not liable.¹⁴ and not for partaking of the meat of a forbidden animal. [The rationale is that this prohibition] does not apply with regard to a non-kosher animal,¹⁵ 101a notes that the confrontation between Jacob and the angel took place before the Giving of the Torah, at a time when the Jews could eat non-kosher animals. Hence, there is reason to say that the prohibition could involve a non-kosher animal, for partaking of such animal was not forbidden until the Giving of the Torah.
In response, the Talmud explains that our observance of this prohibition does not stem from the practice observed by Jacob's descendants, but because this prohibition was reiterated at the time of the Giving of the Torah. In his Commentary to the Mishnah (*Chullin* 7:6, the Rambam elaborates on this point, explaining that our observance of Jewish practice, even the mitzvot which we know that the Patriarchs fulfilled like circumcision, stems from God's command at Sinai and not from our ancestors' observance. only with regard to an animal that is entirely permitted. Nor is he considered as one who partook of the remainder of its body, for the *gid* is not included as meat, as we explained.¹⁶ (*Yoreh De'ah* 65:9) which states that a *gid* is "like a piece of wood; it has no flavor." If, however, one partakes of the fat on the *gid* [of a non-kosher] animal, it is considered as if one ate from its meat.

footnotes:
¹⁴ Not for partaking of the gid
¹⁵ Chullin
¹⁶ Chapter 4, Halachah 18. See the Shulchan Aruch


###### Mishneh Torah, Forbidden Foods 8:6
[Mishneh Torah, Forbidden Foods 8:6](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mishneh%20Torah%2C%20Forbidden%20Foods/r/8:6)

הָאוֹכֵל גִּיד הַנָּשֶׁה שֶׁל נְבֵלָה אוֹ שֶׁל טְרֵפָה אוֹ שֶׁל עוֹלָה חַיָּב שְׁתַּיִם. מִתּוֹךְ שֶׁנִּכְלָל בְּאִסּוּר שְׁאָר גּוּפָהּ שֶׁהָיָה מֻתָּר נִכְלָל גַּם הַגִּיד וְנוֹסָף עָלָיו אִסּוּר אַחֵר:

**Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007:**
When a person partakes of a *gid hanesheh* from a*nevelah*, a *trefe*, or an animal consecrated as a burnt offering, he is liable for two [sets of lashes]. Since [the prohibition]¹⁷, *trefe*, or burnt offering. includes the remainder of its body which was permitted, it also includes the *gid* and causes another prohibition to be added to it.¹⁸, "an encompassing prohibition," as explained in the conclusion of Halachah 14 (*Maggid Mishneh*).
The *Kessef Mishneh* questions the Rambam's ruling, noting that *Chullin* 82b states that according to the opinion that a *gid hanesheh* does not have any flavor, one is not liable. Only the opinion that maintains that the *gid hanesheh* does have a flavor holds one liable. From the previous halachah, it appears that the Rambam follows the former view. Why then does he hold the person liable for two sets of lashes.

footnotes:
¹⁷ I.e., the prohibition against partaking of a nevelah
¹⁸ Following the concept of issur kollel


###### Mishneh Torah, Forbidden Foods 8:7
[Mishneh Torah, Forbidden Foods 8:7](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mishneh%20Torah%2C%20Forbidden%20Foods/r/8:7)

הַנּוֹטֵל גִּיד הַנָּשֶׁה צָרִיךְ לְחַטֵּט אַחֲרָיו עַד שֶׁלֹּא יַשְׁאִיר מִמֶּנּוּ כְּלוּם. וְנֶאֱמָן הַטַּבָּח עַל גִּיד הַנָּשֶׁה כְּשֵׁם שֶׁנֶּאֱמָן עַל הַחֵלֶב. וְאֵין לוֹקְחִין בָּשָׂר מִכָּל טַבָּח אֶלָּא אִם הָיָה אָדָם כָּשֵׁר וּמֻחְזָק בְּכַשְׁרוּת הוּא שֶׁשּׁוֹחֵט לְעַצְמוֹ וּמוֹכֵר וְנֶאֱמָן:

**Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007:**
One who removes the *gid hanesheh* must ferret out all traces of it until nothing remains.¹⁹ and the *gid* forbidden by Rabbinic decree subdivide into several branches, this is a rather difficult task. For this reason, in most sectors of the Jewish community today, it is customary not to eat the hind-quarters of an animal. Accordingly, several cuts of meat, e.g., sirloin steak, are not available from kosher butchers. A butcher's word is accepted with regard to the*gid hanesheh*,²⁰ just as it is accepted with regard to forbidden fat. [Accordingly,] we do not purchase meat from every butcher, [only from] an upright man who has established a reputation for observance.²¹, kashrut inspection, practiced today. If he slaughters meat himself and sells it, his word is accepted.

footnotes:
¹⁹ Since the gid hanesheh
²⁰ I.e., we rely on his word and do not inspect the meat ourselves.
²¹ If the person himself does not have a reputation for observance and knowledge of the laws, he can sell meat if he hires such a person to act as a supervisor. This is the rationale for the practice of hasgachah


###### Mishneh Torah, Forbidden Foods 8:8
[Mishneh Torah, Forbidden Foods 8:8](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mishneh%20Torah%2C%20Forbidden%20Foods/r/8:8)

בַּמֶּה דְּבָרִים אֲמוּרִים בְּחוּצָה לָאָרֶץ. אֲבָל בְּאֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל בִּזְמַן שֶׁכֻּלָּהּ לְיִשְׂרָאֵל לוֹקְחִין מִכָּל אָדָם:

**Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007:**
Where does the above apply? In the Diaspora. In *Eretz Yisrael*, by contrast, when it is populated entirely by [Torah-observant] Jews, meat may be purchased from anyone.²² and other lands, for the majority of the inhabitants of *Eretz Yisrael* are not Torah observant.

footnotes:
²² In the present era, there is no difference between Eretz Yisrael


###### Mishneh Torah, Forbidden Foods 8:9
[Mishneh Torah, Forbidden Foods 8:9](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mishneh%20Torah%2C%20Forbidden%20Foods/r/8:9)

טַבָּח הַנֶּאֱמָן לִמְכֹּר בָּשָׂר וְנִמְצָא בְּשַׂר נְבֵלָה אוֹ בְּשַׂר טְרֵפָה יוֹצֵא מִתַּחַת יָדוֹ. מַחֲזִיר אֶת הַדָּמִים לַבְּעָלִים ומְשַׁמְּתִין אוֹתוֹ וּמַעֲבִירִין אוֹתוֹ. וְאֵין לוֹ תַּקָּנָה לְעוֹלָם לִקַּח מִמֶּנּוּ בָּשָׂר עַד שֶׁיֵּלֵךְ לְמָקוֹם שֶׁאֵין מַכִּירִין אוֹתוֹ וְיַחֲזִיר אֲבֵדָה בְּדָבָר חָשׁוּב אוֹ יִשְׁחֹט לְעַצְמוֹ וְיוֹצִיא טְרֵפָה לְעַצְמוֹ בְּמָמוֹן חָשׁוּב שֶׁוַּדַּאי עָשָׂה תְּשׁוּבָה בְּלֹא הַעֲרָמָה:

**Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007:**
[The following rules apply when] a butcher is considered as trustworthy to sell meat, but it is discovered that he sold meat that was *nevelah* or*trefe*. He must return the money to its owners.²³ 16:14). The rationale is that a person's soul is revolted by the commission of a transgression and he is not considered to have benefited from the meat at all (*Sefer Meirat Einayim* 232:4). He is placed under a ban of ostracism and is removed from his position.²⁴
There is no way that he can correct [his act] so that people [will be allowed] to purchase meat from him until he goes to a place where his identity is unknown²⁵and returns a lost object of significant worth or slaughters an animal for his own self and has it declared *trefe* although it involves a significant financial loss. For these actions indicate that he certainly repented without any [intent to] deceive.²⁶ 10:14 and *Hilchot Edut* 12:9 which deal with the same concept. *Hilchot Edut* states that in order to be accepted as a witness, he must wear black garments as a sign of repentance.

footnotes:
²³ He must return the money entirely. This applies even if the customers already partook of the non-kosher meat (Hilchot Mechirah
²⁴ See Chapter 7, Halachah 21.
²⁵ If he performs such an act in a place where his identity is known, it can be said that he did so in order to be reinstated.
²⁶ I.e., they show that he is willing to forgo his financial benefit in order to keep Torah law. See also Hilchot Shechitah


###### Mishneh Torah, Forbidden Foods 8:10
[Mishneh Torah, Forbidden Foods 8:10](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mishneh%20Torah%2C%20Forbidden%20Foods/r/8:10)

הַלּוֹקֵחַ בָּשָׂר וּשְׁלָחוֹ בְּיַד אֶחָד מֵעַמֵּי הָאָרֶץ הֲרֵי זֶה נֶאֱמָן עָלָיו. וְאַף עַל פִּי שֶׁאֵינוֹ מֻחְזָק בְּכַשְׁרוּת אֵין חוֹשְׁשִׁין לוֹ שֶׁמָּא יַחֲלִיף. וַאֲפִלּוּ עַבְדֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וְאַמְהוֹתֵיהֶן נֶאֱמָנִין בְּדָבָר זֶה. אֲבָל לֹא עַכּוּ"ם שֶׁמָּא יַחֲלִיף:

**Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007:**
When a person purchases meat and sends it via a common person, [the latter's] word is accepted with regard to it. Although he has not established a reputation for Torah observance,²⁷ who maintains that the Rambam would rule in this manner even when a Jew is reputed to transgress various prohibitions. He also mentions the opinion of the Rashba who maintains that further precautions must be taken if an article is entrusted to a non-observant Jew. The *Shulchan Aruch* (*Yoreh De'ah* 118:8) quotes the Rambam's ruling and then cites the Rashba's view without indicating which opinion should be followed. we do not suspect that he will exchange [the meat for a non-kosher cut].²⁸). Even the servants and maidservants²⁹ 12:11). of the Jews are trusted with regard to such a matter. A gentile, by contrast, is not [trusted], for we fear that he will exchange [the meat].³⁰

footnotes:
²⁷ See the Maggid Mishneh
²⁸ I.e., we do not expect that he will steal. Moreover, he will derive no benefit from doing so, for he will have to supply an equivalent piece of meat for the one he exchanges. We do not expect him to cause sin without deriving any benefit. If, however, he has a reputation for stealing, his word is not accepted (Maggid Mishneh
²⁹ I.e., Canaanite servants, non-Jews purchased as servants who have undergone a partial conversion process (Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah
³⁰ For a gentile is never trusted in any matters involving Jewish observance. When one desires to send food that involves prohibitions with a gentile, it is necessary to take precautions as stated in Chapter 13, Halachot 8-10.


###### Mishneh Torah, Forbidden Foods 8:11
[Mishneh Torah, Forbidden Foods 8:11](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mishneh%20Torah%2C%20Forbidden%20Foods/r/8:11)

עֶשֶׂר חֲנֻיּוֹת תֵּשַׁע מוֹכְרוֹת בְּשַׂר שְׁחוּטָה וְאַחַת מוֹכֶרֶת נְבֵלוֹת וְלָקַח בָּשָׂר מֵאַחַת מֵהֶן וְאֵינוֹ יוֹדֵעַ מֵאֵיזֶה מֵהֶן לָקַח הֲרֵי זֶה אָסוּר שֶׁכָּל קָבוּעַ כְּמֶחֱצָה עַל מֶחֱצָה דָּמִי. אֲבָל בָּשָׂר הַנִּמְצָא מֻשְׁלָךְ בַּשּׁוּק הַלֵּךְ אַחַר הָרֹב דְּכָל דְּפָרִישׁ מֵרֻבָּא פָּרִישׁ. אִם הָיוּ רֹב הַמּוֹכְרִים עַכּוּ"ם אָסוּר. וְאִם הָיוּ רֹב הַמּוֹכְרִים יִשְׂרָאֵל מֻתָּר:

**Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007:**
[The following rule applies when there are] ten stores, nine sell kosher meat and one sells *nevelot*.³¹ If one purchased meat from one of these stores and did not know which one he purchased from, [the meat] is forbidden. [The rationale is that] whenever [the presence of a forbidden entity] is firmly established, the situation is considered as half and half.³² 2:10, *Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah* 18:15.
If, however, meat is found cast away in the street,³³ explains that this law applies only when the meat is discovered in the public domain. If a person is seen taking meat from a store, but it is not known which store he took it from, the previous law applies. [it is judged] according to the majority. For [we follow the assumption:] Anything that was separated, separated from the majority.³⁴ If the majority of sellers were gentile, [the meat] is forbidden. If the majority were Jewish, it is permitted.

footnotes:
³¹ I.e., even if the proportions are heavily weighted in favor of the conclusion that the meat is kosher, we accept the possibility that it is non-kosher.
³² This is a general principle applying in many other contexts as well, e.g., Hilchot Chametz UMatzah
³³ The Hagahot Maimoniot
³⁴ This also is a frequently employed Talmudic principle.


###### Mishneh Torah, Forbidden Foods 8:12
[Mishneh Torah, Forbidden Foods 8:12](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mishneh%20Torah%2C%20Forbidden%20Foods/r/8:12)

וְכֵן בָּשָׂר הַנִּמְצָא בְּיַד עַכּוּ"ם וְאֵינוֹ יָדוּעַ מִמִּי לָקַח אִם הָיוּ מוֹכְרֵי הַבָּשָׂר יִשְׂרָאֵל מֻתָּר. זֶה הוּא דִּין תּוֹרָה. וּכְבָר אָסְרוּ חֲכָמִים כָּל הַבָּשָׂר הַנִּמְצָא בֵּין בַּשּׁוּק בֵּין בְּיַד עַכּוּ"ם אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁכָּל הַשּׁוֹחֲטִין וְכָל הַמּוֹכְרִין יִשְׂרָאֵל. וְלֹא עוֹד אֶלָּא הַלּוֹקֵחַ בָּשָׂר וְהִנִּיחוֹ בְּבֵיתוֹ וְנֶעֱלַם מִן הָעַיִן אָסוּר אֶלָּא אִם כֵּן הָיָה לוֹ בּוֹ סִימָן אוֹ שֶׁהָיָה לוֹ בּוֹ טְבִיעַת עַיִן וְהוּא מַכִּירוֹ וַדַּאי שֶׁהוּא זֶה אוֹ שֶׁהָיָה צָרוּר וְחָתוּם:

**Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007:**
Similarly, when meat is found in the hand of a gentile and it is not known from where he purchased it, if [the majority of] the sellers of meat were Jewish, it is permitted.
This reflects the ruling according to Scriptural Law. [Nevertheless,] our Sages have already forbidden any meat found in the marketplace or in the possession of a gentile³⁵, there are *Rishonim* who permit meat found in the possession of a gentile when the majority of the sellers are Jewish, maintaining that this is evident from *Chullin* 95a. The *Shulchan Aruch* (*Yoreh De'ah* 63:1, however, quotes the Rambam's view. even though all the slaughterers and all the sellers are Jewish. Moreover, even if one purchased meat, left it in his house, and it disappeared from one's sight, it is forbidden³⁶ (*Yoreh De'ah* 63:2) cites, however, the opinion of Rashbam which permits the meat if it is found in the same place that it was placed. The Rama writes that it is customary to follow this view. unless it had a distinguishing mark, he was familiar with it and could recognize it definitely as [the piece of meat lost],³⁷ states that if a person has a reputation for upright conduct, his word is accepted in this concept even if he is not a Torah scholar. Note the contrast to *Hilchot Gezeilah V'Aveidah* 14:12 which accepts only the word of a Torah scholar if one claims to recognize a lost object, but cannot identify it with distinctive marks. or it was bound and sealed.

footnotes:
³⁵ As mentioned by the Maggid Mishneh
³⁶ According to the literal meaning of the Rambam's words, if meat was placed in the freezer, it would be forbidden. The Shulchan Aruch
³⁷ The Maggid Mishneh


###### Mishneh Torah, Forbidden Foods 8:13
[Mishneh Torah, Forbidden Foods 8:13](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mishneh%20Torah%2C%20Forbidden%20Foods/r/8:13)

תָּלָה כְּלִי מָלֵא חֲתִיכוֹת בָּשָׂר וְנִשְׁבַּר הַכְּלִי וְנָפְלוּ הַחֲתִיכוֹת לָאָרֶץ וּבָא וּמָצָא חֲתִיכוֹת וְאֵין לוֹ בָּהֶן סִימָן וְלֹא טְבִיעַת עַיִן הֲרֵי זֶה אָסוּר שֶׁיֵּשׁ לוֹמַר אוֹתוֹ בָּשָׂר שֶׁהָיָה בַּכְּלִי גְּרָרַתּוּ חַיָּה אוֹ שֶׁרֶץ וְזֶה בָּשָׂר אַחֵר הוּא:

**Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007:**
[The following rule applies when] one hung a container filled with pieces of meat, the container broke, and the pieces fell to the earth.³⁸). If there is no distinguishing mark [on the meat] and he was not able to recognize it, it is forbidden. [The rationale is that] it is possible to say that the meat that was in the container was dragged away by a wild beast or creeping animal and this is other meat.

footnotes:
³⁸ If, however, he found it as he left it, it is certainly permitted (Maggid Mishneh


###### Mishneh Torah, Forbidden Foods 8:14
[Mishneh Torah, Forbidden Foods 8:14](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mishneh%20Torah%2C%20Forbidden%20Foods/r/8:14)

גִּיד הַנָּשֶׁה מֻתָּר בַּהֲנָאָה. לְפִיכָךְ מֻתָּר לְאָדָם לִשְׁלֹחַ לְעַכּוּ"ם יָרֵךְ שֶׁגִּיד הַנָּשֶׁה בְּתוֹכָהּ. וְנוֹתֵן לוֹ הַיָּרֵךְ שְׁלֵמָה בִּפְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל. וְאֵין חוֹשְׁשִׁין שֶׁמָּא יֹאכַל מִמֶּנָּה יִשְׂרָאֵל זֶה קֹדֶם שֶׁיִּנָּטֵל הַגִּיד שֶׁהֲרֵי מְקוֹמוֹ נִכָּר. לְפִיכָךְ אִם הָיְתָה הַיָּרֵךְ חֲתוּכָה לֹא יִתְּנֶנָּה לְעַכּוּ"ם בִּפְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל עַד שֶׁיִּטּל הַגִּיד שֶׁמָּא יֹאכַל מִמֶּנָּה יִשְׂרָאֵל:

**Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007:**
It is permitted to derive benefit from a *gid hanesheh*.³⁹ notes that according to *Pesachim* 22a, it would appear that the authorities who maintain that the *gid hanesheh* has no flavor also maintain that it is forbidden to benefit from it. Now the Rambam follow the perspective that the *gid hanesheh* has no flavor (see Halachah 5). Hence his position here is somewhat difficult. The *Maggid Mishneh* explains, however, that the two positions are not necessary interrelated and both rulings of the Rambam can be upheld. Therefore it is permissible for a person to send a thigh which contains a *gid hanesheh* to a gentile.⁴⁰, he does not have to remove it before selling the meat. He may give him the entire thigh intact in the presence of a Jew. We do not suspect that [the other] Jew will partake of this meat before the *gid* is removed, because its place is recognizable.⁴¹ (*Chullin* 93b). Otherwise, the Jew must tell the gentile that the animal is kosher (*Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah* 65:11)].
Nevertheless, since the place of the *gid hanesheh* is recognizable - i.e., it is obvious whether the *gid* is still in the thigh or has already been removed - he will not partake of the meat until the *gid* is removed. Accordingly, if the thigh was cut into pieces, he should not give it to a gentile in the presence of a Jew, lest the other Jew partake of it.⁴² is not obvious, the other Jew may think that ordinary kosher meat is being given and may partake of it.

footnotes:
³⁹ The Maggid Mishneh
⁴⁰ I.e., because there is no prohibition against receiving benefit from the gid hanesheh
⁴¹ Since the Jew sees a co-religionist giving the gentile the meat, he will assume that it was ritually slaughtered and that the meat was kosher. [This applies in a place where public announcements are made when an animal is discovered to be trefe
⁴² Since the place of the gid hanesheh


###### Mishneh Torah, Forbidden Foods 8:15
[Mishneh Torah, Forbidden Foods 8:15](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mishneh%20Torah%2C%20Forbidden%20Foods/r/8:15)

כָּל מָקוֹם שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר בַּתּוֹרָה לֹא תֹאכַל לֹא תֹאכְלוּ לֹא יֹאכְלוּ לֹא יֵאָכֵל אֶחָד אִסּוּר אֲכִילָה וְאֶחָד אִסּוּר הֲנָאָה בְּמַשְׁמָע עַד שֶׁיִּפְרֹט לְךָ הַכָּתוּב כְּדֶרֶךְ שֶׁפֵּרֵט לְךָ בִּנְבֵלָה שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים יד כא) "לַגֵּר אֲשֶׁר בִּשְׁעָרֶיךָ תִּתְּנֶנָּה וַאֲכָלָהּ" וְכַחֵלֶב שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר בּוֹ (ויקרא ז כד) "יֵעָשֶׂה לְכָל מְלָאכָה". אוֹ עַד שֶׁיִּתְפָּרֵשׁ בַּתּוֹרָה שֶׁבְּעַל פֶּה שֶׁהוּא מֻתָּר בַּהֲנָאָה. כְּגוֹן שְׁקָצִים וּרְמָשִׂים וְדָם וְאֵיבָר מִן הַחַי וְגִיד הַנָּשֶׁה. שֶׁכָּל אֵלּוּ מֻתָּרִין בַּהֲנָאָה מִפִּי הַקַּבָּלָה אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁהֵן אֲסוּרִין בַּאֲכִילָה:

**Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007:**
Wherever the Torah states: "Do not eat," "You shall not eat,"⁴³ "They shall not eat," or "It shall not be eaten," the intent is that it is forbidden both to partake of or benefit from the forbidden entity⁴⁴ unless:
a) a verse explicitly states otherwise, as it does with regard to a *nevelah* [Deuteronomy 14:21]: "Give it to the stranger in your gate and he shall partake of it," or with regard to forbidden fat [Leviticus 7:24]: "You may use it for any task"; or
b) the Oral Law states explicitly that it is permitted to benefit from it, as is the case with regarding to teeming animals, swarming animals, blood, a limb from a living animal, and the *gid hanesheh*. For according to the Oral Tradition, it is permitted to benefit from all these prohibited entities, even though it is forbidden to partake of them.

footnotes:
⁴³ Both of these commands are in the second person: one singular, one plural.
⁴⁴ Sometimes the command is stated in an active voice; sometimes, it is passive; sometimes, singular and sometimes plural. The passive form implies that it is forbidden to derive any benefit that could lead to one's eating, e.g., selling it for money that could be used to purchase food.


###### Mishneh Torah, Forbidden Foods 8:16
[Mishneh Torah, Forbidden Foods 8:16](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mishneh%20Torah%2C%20Forbidden%20Foods/r/8:16)

כָּל מַאֲכָל שֶׁהוּא אָסוּר בַּהֲנָאָה אִם נֶהֱנָה וְלֹא אָכַל כְּגוֹן שֶׁמָּכַר אוֹ נָתַן לְעַכּוּ"ם אוֹ לִכְלָבִים אֵינוֹ לוֹקֶה. וּמַכִּין אוֹתוֹ מַכַּת מַרְדּוּת וְהַדָּמִים מֻתָּרִין. וְכָל דָּבָר שֶׁאָסוּר בַּאֲכִילָה וּמֻתָּר בַּהֲנָאָה אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁהוּא מֻתָּר בַּהֲנָאָה אָסוּר לַעֲשׂוֹת בּוֹ סְחוֹרָה וּלְכַוֵּן מְלַאכְתּוֹ בִּדְבָרִים אֲסוּרִים חוּץ מִן הַחֵלֶב שֶׁהֲרֵי נֶאֱמַר בּוֹ (ויקרא ז כד) "יֵעָשֶׂה לְכָל מְלָאכָה". לְפִיכָךְ אֵין עוֹשִׂין סְחוֹרָה לֹא בִּנְבֵלוֹת וְלֹא בִּטְרֵפוֹת וְלֹא בִּשְׁקָצִים וְלֹא בִּרְמָשִׂים:

**Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007:**
Whenever it is forbidden to benefit from a substance, if a person derives benefit without partaking of it, e.g., he sold or gave to a gentile or gave it to dogs, he is not liable for lashes.⁴⁵ explains that he is not liable, for one is liable for lashes only when he derives benefit from the food in the ordinary manner one derives benefit from food. This includes only eating. Receiving money, by contrast, is not considered as benefiting from food in the ordinary manner. Rav Moshe HaCohen, however, anticipated that attempted resolution and explains that, on the contrary, selling edible food is an ordinary way of deriving benefit. He should, however, be given stripes for rebellious conduct. The money [he received] is permitted.⁴⁶ 7:19).
Whenever it is forbidden to partake of a substance, but it is permitted to benefit from it, even though it is permitted to benefit from it, it is forbidden do business with such articles or establish oneself in a profession that involves forbidden entities.⁴⁷ clarifies that the above applies only with regard to food from forbidden species. One may choose a profession that involves employing a horse or a donkey as a beast of burden. [There is] an exception, forbidden fat, for concerning it, it is written: "You may use it for any task." For this reason, we do not do business with *nevelot, trefot*, teeming animals, and swarming animals.

footnotes:
⁴⁵ Rav Moshe HaCohen questions this ruling, stating that if the intent of the Scriptural prohibition is that it is forbidden to benefit from these substances, why is one not liable for lashes for deriving such benefit? The Maggid Mishneh
⁴⁶ There is one exception to this: money received in return for a false deity or articles associated with it. That money is itself forbidden (see Chapter 13, Halachah 15; Hilchot Avodat Kochavim
⁴⁷ I.e., one's livelihood may not revolve around the sale of these forbidden entities or performing work with them (e.g., serving as a chef in a non-kosher restaurant). The rationale for the prohibition is that we fear that a person who has extensive involvement with forbidden substances may come to partake of them (Rashba).The Maggid Mishneh


###### Mishneh Torah, Forbidden Foods 8:17
[Mishneh Torah, Forbidden Foods 8:17](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mishneh%20Torah%2C%20Forbidden%20Foods/r/8:17)

הַצַּיָּד שֶׁנִּזְדַּמְּנוּ לוֹ חַיָּה אוֹ עוֹף וְדָג טְמֵאִים וְצָדָן אוֹ שֶׁנִּצּוֹדוּ לוֹ טְמֵאִים וּטְהוֹרִים מֻתָּר לְמָכְרָן. אֲבָל לֹא יְכַוֵּן מְלַאכְתּוֹ לִטְמֵאִים. וּמֻתָּר לַעֲשׂוֹת סְחוֹרָה בְּחָלָב שֶׁחֲלָבוֹ עַכּוּ"ם וְאֵין יִשְׂרָאֵל רוֹאֵהוּ וּבִגְבִינוֹת הָעַכּוּ"ם וְכַיּוֹצֵא בָּהֶן:

**Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007:**
When a trapper happens upon a non-kosher wild animal, fowl, or fish, and he snares them or he traps both kosher and non-kosher animals, he may sell them.⁴⁸ 117:4)]. See also *Siftei Cohen* 117:6 who questions whether the leniency is granted only to a professional trapper or to any person. He may not, however, intend to have his profession concern non-kosher species.
It is, however, permitted to do business with milk that was milked by a gentile without being observed by a Jew, cheeses made by gentiles, and the like.

footnotes:
⁴⁸ He must sell them immediately. He may not raise them until they become large [Rama (Yoreh De'ah


###### Mishneh Torah, Forbidden Foods 8:18
[Mishneh Torah, Forbidden Foods 8:18](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Mishneh%20Torah%2C%20Forbidden%20Foods/r/8:18)

זֶה הַכְּלָל כָּל שֶׁאִסּוּרוֹ מִן הַתּוֹרָה אָסוּר לַעֲשׂוֹת בּוֹ סְחוֹרָה וְכָל שֶׁאִסּוּרוֹ מִדִּבְרֵיהֶם מֻתָּר לַעֲשׂוֹת בּוֹ סְחוֹרָה בֵּין בִּסְפֵקוֹ בֵּין בְּוַדָּאוֹ:

**Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007:**
This is the general principle: Whenever a prohibition is forbidden by Scriptural Law, it is forbidden to do business with it. Whenever the prohibition is Rabbinic in origin, it is permitted do business with it, whether we are certain of the existence of the prohibition or it is a matter of question.