DEUT1163 Biblical consideration for animals was the basis for the following laws: … Animals of different species may not be harnessed together to form a team for the performance of labor (Deuteronomy 22:10). Rabbi Aaron of Barcelona (13th century) asserts that the teaming up of animals of different species, which do not normally mingle and are possessed of desperate traits, is an unnatural act highly stressful to them (Sefer HaChinuch 550). He bases this injunction on a broad-based principal which is equally applicable to human associations. Incompatible partners cannot conduct a successful business. For the same reason, committees composed of incompatible members will not function properly. He cautions against associating men of education, integrity, and reasonableness with individuals who lack these qualities.

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DEUT1164 See [[EXOD398]] Exodus 20:10 cattle GREENBERG 77

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DEUT1165 See [[EXOD886]] Exodus 23:12 rest OXFORD 428

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DEUT1167 According to the implication of the Sefer Hachinuch (Mitzvah 550), since different species of animals plow at different rates, putting two different species together will inevitably cause pain for the animals. It is for this reason that it is forbidden.

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DEUT1171 We should not ask two people who are unsuited for each other to work together. The Torah prohibits us from plowing with two animals of different species. The Chinuch (550) states that one reason for this prohibition is that it will distress the two unlike animals to be together. Every animal needs to be with others of its kind. The Chinuch adds that this has practical applications relating to people. Do not appoint two people for a joint task if they are so different that working together will be uncomfortable for them. Educators and employers should be aware of this principle whenever they need to appoint people to work together on a project.

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DEUT1168 See [[DEUT1166]] Deuteronomy 22:10 together SACTAB 217

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DEUT1166 (Continued from [[GEN1181]] Genesis 24:19 camels SACTAB 217). Our ancestors relied heavily on animals in their agricultural pursuits, and so the Torah provides clear guidance in the treatment of work animals. One such law (this verse) teaches that if these two animals were yoked together, one may be injured by the other. Another law asserts the right of an animal to be nourished as it works (Deuteronomy 25:4). This prohibition acknowledges that one must not prevent an animal who is threshing the field to follow its basic instinct to eat along the way. (By Rayna Ellen Gevurtz, "Kindness to Animals: Tzaar Baalei Chayim") (Continued at [[EXOD369]] Exodus 20:10 cattle SACTAB 217).

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DEUT1169 See [[LEV740]] Leviticus 19:19 mate SPERO 154

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DEUT1170 Several Biblical laws deal with the treatment of animals for agricultural work [This verse] prohibits plowing one's field with an ox and a donkey harnessed together. Being of unequal size and strength, both animals, particularly the weaker one, will suffer; the donkey will experience strain, and the ox frustration. By implication, although the Torah speaks only of a donkey and ox, one should not yoke together any animals of significantly equal unequal strength.

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DEUT1172 Do not work two different species of animal under the same yoke. Key concept: According to the Rambam this mitzvah is connected to the Torah’s prohibition on crossbreeding (See [[LEV742]] Leviticus 19:19 mixed CHINUCH 154-5). Were it permitted to tie different species of animals to the same yoke, the animals probably would be housed in the same barn and the owners would be tempted to engage in crossbreeding. For this reason, working different species together is prohibited. The Sefer HaChinuch offers a different reason: The Torah forbids us to cause pain to any creature. Animals and birds experience great discomfort when they dwell with creatures that are not of their kind. All the more they experience discomfort when they are forced to work side by side with a different species. We observe that when animals are allowed to roam free, they cling exclusively to their own kind. The wise at heart should be take note of the above and be aware that when two people must be appointed for any given project or task, one should not appoint people who are vastly different in terms of their nature or behavior. For example, do not make a righteous individual work with someone who is known for wickedness. Do not pair up someone of noble character with someone who acts as if he has no shame. We see that the Torah forbids unfit pairing of animals--creatures that are practically devoid of all intelligence. All the more so must we be careful not to create inappropriate pairings of human beings, who think and understand.

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