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In our Torah portion this week, Parashat Shemini, we are presented with many of the laws of Kashrut, our dietary traditions. We learn which living things are fit for our consumption, and which are not. Categories including land animals, fish, birds, and insects are all addressed.
For example, when it comes to fish, the Torah states in Leviticus, chapter 11, verse 9, "This may you eat from everything that is in the water: everything that has fins and scales in the water, in the seas, and in the streams, you may eat."
There are many ways of understanding why we have been given these dietary laws of Kashrut. Some have suggested that Kashrut has to do with living a healthy lifestyle, while others believe that it has helped to preserve our unique Jewish culture and identity.
There is also within our tradition the notion that we simply cannot understand the true significance of Kashrut and perhaps we are not even meant to. It may be a Divine mystery which we can choose to be a part of, despite our lack of comprehension!
One thing I feel certain of is that food does play a major role in our Jewish culture. We are intentional about what we eat and we should enjoy what we eat. Whether we are enjoying matzah ball soup, gefilte fish, knishes, or smoked fish, we know that we are doing something Jewish.
I believe the Kashrut of the Torah has had an impact on the way we eat and the way that we think about eating. Certain foods bring us comfort and joy. Other foods are alienating and intimidating. Kashrut is our culinary guide. And, perhaps by refraining from eating certain foods, we are able to enjoy eating the foods we do eat even more!
During this coming Shabbat, I hope you will experience particular enjoyment from the feasts of this weekly celebration. Shabbat Shalom.
Shabbat Shalom.
Cantor Zachary Konigsberg
cantorzkonigsberg@gmail.com
917-696-0749
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