Definition: And the stork, the heron after her kind, and the lapwing, and the bat.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Leviticus 11:19. It’s a really important and somewhat surprising part of Jewish tradition! Here's what it means in plain English: “And the stork, the heron after her kind, and the lapwing, and the bat…” Basically, this verse describes things that are considered sacred or unclean – things that God considers unsuitable for contact with humans. Let’s look at each item individually: The Stork: Think of a stork – it’s a large bird, often associated with death. It's viewed as bringing bad luck and is therefore forbidden to be near humans. The Heron After Her Kind: Herons are known for their beautiful, but also somewhat wild, plumage. They are considered to be less refined than other birds and are therefore discouraged from being near humans. The Lapwing: Lapwings are small, flightless birds with a distinctive appearance. They are seen as somewhat mysterious and can be associated with danger or misfortune. The Bat: Bats are nocturnal creatures – they're active at night. This makes them considered unclean because of their association with darkness and the unknown. So, what does this mean practically? This verse is a core principle of Jewish law (Halakha) that governs how we interact with certain animals. It’s rooted in the idea that God has created all living things for a specific purpose and that humans shouldn't interfere with or be near things that are considered to be spiritually impure. It’s about maintaining holiness and purity in our interactions with the natural world. In short, it's a reminder to respect and avoid contact with animals that are seen as inherently problematic. Do you want me to explain anything more specifically? For example: Why is this verse important in Jewish tradition? What does it have to do with the concept of holiness?