Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses non-kosher fish and various physical signs. Two of them that are most famously known as they are explicitly mentioned in the pasuk, are not having fins or scales.

The Shalah (של״ה, תורה שבכתב, ויקרא, דרך חיים שמיני ה) offers an explanation for why these species are not kosher. Most are familiar with the obvious concept that the non-kosher beasts and birds are predators as opposed to the more passive kosher cattle and birds. Shalah extends this idea to the fish and grasshoppers as well. The kosher grasshoppers hop on knee joints according to the verse (VaYikra 11:21), which indicates that they are non-predators and are equipped to run away swiftly. The kosher fish have protective scales and fins to run away and guard against predators as well. The Shalah uses this as an indicator of the sensitivity of the Jewish soul. The mere consumption of a predatory animal can somehow increase a predatory behavior within the person who consumes it.

Being passive, meek and humble is not a character trait that is often valued today. Sure, Your child’s school will pay some attention to a child who shows extraordinary kindness and character, sharing his or her toys, caring for a classmate and helping him or her out. Yet, meekness and humility is not rewarded, And usually is interpreted as a sign of low self-esteem. The children who call out the answers first, or even if they’re more well behaved shoot up their hands first, may be smart and may be fast thinkers, but the slow steady thoughtful child may have a lot to offer too. Who knows if he or she would ever be heard? It only gets worse as we get older, where aggression is rewarded so long as it is within socially acceptable channels. 

You might argue that this is fine, and being humble or meek really isn’t so good and people should be healthfully assertive. Of course that is true. I just wonder if somehow we lost something along the way. How could we cultivate humility and passivity in a healthy manner, aside from not eating shrimp?

Translations Courtesy of Sefaria, except when, sometimes, I disagree with the translation

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