("Mixed Species"). Fourth tractate of Order Zera'Im. Its nine chapters cover the laws concerning three main categories of forbidden mixtures: (1) mixed seeds (kilay zera'im), i.e., the prohibition against planting the seeds of two different species (e.g., wheat and barley) in one's field or vineyard (cf. Lev. 19:19; Deut. 22:9-11) (see Agricultural Laws); (2) mixed animals (kilay behemah), i.e., the prohibition against (a) harnessing two different kinds of animal (e.g., an ox and a donkey) together for work and (b) cross-breeding two different types of animals; and (3) mixed garments (kilay begadim), the prohibition against wearing a garment woven from wool and flax together (called Sha'Atnez). The subject matter is amplified in the Jerusalem Talmud and the Tosefta.
The New Encyclopedia of Judaism. Copyright © 1989, 2002 by G.G. The Jerusalem Publishing House, Ltd. All rights reserved.
