Living Torah: The Jewish Diet – Why Eat Kosher?

Just as every person is different and every person has his own allergies, so too, the Jewish soul is ‘allergic’ to non-kosher foods.

This week’s Torah portion is Shemini (Leviticus 9:1-11:47). The reading begins with the dedication of the Mishkan, the Tabernacle. It then continues with the tragic story of the death of Aaron’s two sons, Nadav and Avihu. But more familiar to most people are the laws of Kashrut (the laws of Kosher) which find themselves in this week’s Torah reading, as well. This week I would like to focus on the laws of keeping a kosher diet.

There is much discussion among rabbis and scholars as to why God gave us the laws of keeping kosher. Many are of the opinion that the reason the Torah gave us all these rules about which animals we may and may not eat are based on health considerations. Everyone agrees that we need a strong body! And as the saying goes, “you are what you eat.” Food is nothing less than medicine: the rights foods will do you well, while the wrong ones will harm you. We need to be healthy for our families, our jobs, and even to serve God. Therefore, the Torah wants us to be strong, healthy, and holy. So perhaps, since it was widely believed that pork and shellfish are unhealthy, that is the reason why the Torah doesn’t want us to eat such animals.

However, I disagree with this approach.

The Torah says: “Speak to the children of Israel and tell them: these are the animals that can be eaten…”

As we can readily see, the Torah only commands the rules of Kashrut to the Jewish people. Non-Jews are completely entitled to enjoy whatever their heart’s desire: pig, lobster, horsemeat, octopus (a delicacy in Greece!), and much more. No problem whatsoever.

But wait a sec! If the rules of Kashrut were given for health reasons, then they would have been given to all mankind! God loves all mankind! God wants all of his creations to be happy and healthy and to serve Him with strength and vigor! He doesn’t want any human being eating dangerous or unhealthy foods. As such, there must be a deeper reason for the laws of Kashrut.

My interpretation: The laws of kashrut affect our soul. Just as every person is different and every person has his own “allergies,” so too, the Jewish soul is “allergic” to these non-kosher foods. They have a negative spiritual impact on the development of the Jewish soul and they impede the Jew’s mission in this world, to serve as “a light among the nations.”

So if you’re Jewish: The Torah reading of Shemini is a good time to recommit yourselves to observing the laws of Kashrut. No, not because its healthier or tastier. And not because it’s the best diet out there. It’s simply the Jewish diet.

Shabbat Shalom from Israel!

Send Passover Packages to Needy Israeli Soldiers - Bring Them Joy!

We are honored to thank the young men and women of the IDF who risk their lives every day to protect the citizens of Israel. Since October 7th, soldiers have been on the battlefield for months - many are hoping to come home for Passover.

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