משנה מסכת בבא קמא פרק ז משנה ז
אין מגדלין בהמה דקה בארץ ישראל אבל מגדלין בסוריא ובמדברות שבארץ ישראל
Mishna: It is not right to breed small livestock (sheep, goats)in the land of Israel. They may however be bred in Syria or in the deserts of the land of Israel. [translation by Soncino Press]
Suggested Discussion Questions:
Why do you think breeding sheep and goats in Israel was prohibited?
What impact do sheep have on the land?
What role could they have played in the food supply and the economy of ancient Israel?
Time Period: Rabbinic (Maccabees through the Talmud)