Crunching on Critters: The Surprising Kosher Status of Locusts

Waking up from a long afternoon nap and craving a snack? Why not munch on a locust or two?

In this week’s Torah portion, we read: "Every flying insect that walks on all fours is detestable to you: Yet these you may eat of all winged insects that walk on all fours, those which have jointed legs above their feet, with which to hop on the earth: Of them you may eat the locust after its kind, and the bald locust after its kind, and the beetle after its kind, and the grasshopper after its kind."

While most insects are strictly forbidden, there are four types of locusts that Jewish law permits us to consume.

The *Gemara* provides descriptions of the distinguishing features of permissible locusts, and there’s even a condition that it must be called "locust."

The very nature of this allowance is intriguing. Why does the Torah permit us to eat such a creature? Some explain that in times of locust plagues, when there is widespread famine, eating locusts might be a way to survive.

I assume many of you haven’t eaten a locust recently, but in certain Yemeni communities, there are traditions surrounding the acceptable locust species. They gather once a year to eat locusts, ensuring the tradition is not forgotten. Yemen experienced periods of severe famine, and eating locusts may have been a necessity for them. The esteemed Rabbi Ratzabi notes that even among Yemenites, they don't consume all types of locusts that might meet the criteria; only one specific kind is commonly accepted.

Interestingly, this custom wasn’t exclusive to Yemen. It was also present in Morocco generations ago, where the holy Rabbi Chaim ben Attar spoke out against the practice, stating: "I wished to express my discontent with the practice I observed in our city. In years when locusts invaded the western cities, many of our people would consume them, claiming their ancestors had permitted it without any authentic tradition affirming that they are called locusts. I noticed that my aged mentor refrained from eating them, and he would indicate his distaste for them... For this practice is not commendable, but only done in times of drought. I informed all the residents of my city regarding the prohibition, and one of them who ignored the prohibition was shown in a dream that he was eating forbidden creatures, and he was alert enough to realize it was the locust he had consumed that day; this validated the caution! There was a miraculous occurrence anew by Hashem, who had regularly brought this type of locust every two or three years but had vanished since I proclaimed their prohibition, and since the sages of the city heeded my words, this has not been seen in Morocco for over twenty years." (from *Pri Tzur*)

There were Moroccan rabbis who were reluctant to impose a prohibition on a community tradition. Rabbi Petachia Berdugo and Rabbi Meir Toldano expressed that the lenient opinions had valid supporters (Responsa *Divrei Chachamim* 11). However, Rabbi Aharon Peretz, the rabbi of Jerba, detailed: "Since I became aware of my opinions, I observed all the people consuming locusts, and my teacher Rabbi Nissim Kiyat had a robust love for eating them, leading me to believe the entire world consumed them. I had never heard anyone challenge this. I too cherished them among all delicacies in the world, not realizing I was indulging in sin... Until three years ago when I was reading twice the Torah and once its translation in the portion of Shemini, with the commentary *Ohr Chaim*, and I saw it was prohibited... He referenced his elaboration in his work *Pri Tzur* regarding *Yoreh De’ah*, a work unknown in our city. A fateful turn occurred when a wise man from overseas arrived with that very book, *Pri Tzur*... I read, reviewed, and thoroughly examined it, and found his words compelling and sound. In conclusion, from that moment, I questioned those before me and accepted upon myself never to eat it again!

"However, once they saw I ceased eating it and knew that I had an inclination toward eating it, they inquired of me. I informed them that ‘the dreamer’ came to me and advised against eating it... I chose not to proclaim to them that locusts are forbidden for two reasons: Firstly, in the Tunisian cities, they do eat them, and though some of the community may heed me, not everyone would. Secondly, such a statement might appear conceited, as in Tunisia they permit while I insist on prohibition. I decided to remain silent until the past Shavuot, when one of my students, Raphael the Cohen, sent word to me, ‘When I studied under you, I saw you eat locusts several times and now you’re said to be against them?!’ I sent him the aforementioned notions. Still, I have not declared their prohibition since today, as locusts are not present, and I wait to announce them as prohibited until such a time they appear in Jerba; for then the words of prohibition are most timely." (from *Genizei Shalom* *Yoreh De’ah* 5).