Rabbi Gordon - Ki Teitzei: 4th Portion
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Unholy dogs
Rabbi, Why are dogs considered unholy? I am sure I know the answer to this.
Dogs do many Unclean, disgusting things (which there's no need for detail) , but why are they considered unholy? They are also sweet, cute, fun, great protectors (depending on the dog of course) Sometimes they invite the thief to come in. LOL! But why unholy? That sounds evil.
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My Yeshiva Rabbi explained 2 interesting things about dogs.
1) Dog is Hashem's name backwards (in English). When you give food to a dog, its nature is to eat and eat more. Give me, give me, give me. Hashem's nature is the opposite. I give you, I give you, I give you.
2) On the other hand: Dog in Hebrew is kelev. Which is made up of 2 words - kol lev - all heart. Your dog doesn't care if you brushed your teeth or took a shower or look messy or smell funny. He accepts you as you are. He will help to lift your spirits. The expression is: "A dog is man's best friend."
On the other hand: It's not a thing for Frum homes to have a dog.
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Hi Rabbi.
I too would like to know why a dog is viewed as unholy?
Thanks in advance.
Simply in terms of what is kosher and what isn't, a dog is a non-kosher animal, and the Torah refers to all non-kosher animals as being "impure." That doesn't make them bad, just not pure.