Q&A: Those Insolent Dogs
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Those Insolent Dogs
Question
In the zemirot for the third meal, there is the hymn “Bnei Heikhala.” In the synagogue they sing it very fast, and when they get to the words “those insolent dogs,” they actually shout it. I don’t understand this stuff and I’m embarrassed to ask. Maybe the Rabbi can explain to me what this means?
Answer
No need to worry—they also don’t understand anything and are just shouting out of habit.
Who are those insolent dogs? There are many interpretations. The “dog husk,” people driven by sexual lust, and other evil afflictions. You can see a related discussion here: https://forum.otzar.org/viewtopic.php?t=19247