Parshat Shemini; Leviticus 9:1-11:47 by Denise L. Eger

In this week’s portion we find the Torah laws of Kashrut, or keeping Kosher. I say Torah laws because while one gets the basic idea of the laws of keeping kosher by reading the torah, they are developed more deeply in the rabbinic literature and have evolved over time. But in Parshat Shemini we do get the basic rules of permitted and not permitted animals.

For many years the laws of kashrut were explained away as health rules. Jews didn’t eat pork because of course because “pigs are dirty animals” “If not cooked properly one could get trichinosis”. It is true that all meat needs to be cooked properly. Undercooked chicken or beef has as many problems as undercooked pork! Look at the recent E coli outbreaks in hamburger chains throughout the U.S.

The laws of Kashrut are observances designed by God to keep the Jewish people together. The dietary disciplines mark our tribal uniqueness. The rules of kashrut and the observance of kashrut builds our Jewish identity. Especially in these days and times when it is so easy to blend in and distance ourselves from our covenant with God and our community, keeping kosher opens a possibility for deepening our ties to our people and to God.

Ironically, we have just celebrated and observed Passover week. There are additional rules and restrictions placed upon our diets during this sacred season. We eat no Chametz, or leavening. For an entire week we refrain from pasta, and bread, legumes of all sorts. If you are Ashkenazic in background—meaning your family came from Central or Eastern Europe you have additional restrictions of not eating –kitniyot, or products with rice, corn or soy!

It is indeed interesting to note –that many Jews who all year long do not observe the laws of kashrut, do so during Pesach. They make the slight adjustments in their diet so as to ritually enhance the spirituality of the season. By eating matzah, we remember the exodus from Egypt and we willingly offer thanks to God as we sing Dayeinu- it would have been enough for us.

Why not extends this same feeling of connectedness to the rest of the year. Refrain from Bacon. Stop eating lasagna with meat and Parmesan cheese. No matter where you go—your Jewishness will be present—and your connectedness to God apparent to you. If put in the right frame work—rather than a burden, kashrut can be seen as an ultimate joy—a willing sacrifice to draw you closer to the Divine Energy.

We no longer bring sacrifices to a temple in Jerusalem. The Romans in the year 70 cruelly, demolished forever the Beit Mikdash. But there are still offerings of our heart and spirit that we can make to God. And the point is no different than 2000 years ago. In those days our sacrifices were to cleanse our souls and draw us close to God. So to giving up bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich seems a small price to pay to be closer to the Holy One of Blessing.

Bon Appetit!

Posted by Lee at April 17, 2006 09:45 AM