|
"These are the creatures that you may eat from all the animals that are on the Earth."
Leviticus 11:2
Perhaps the most distinctive features that characterize Judaism in the eyes of the non-Jewish public
are the dietary laws. It is not because of health (medical) reasons that certain foods are forbidden, because there are many
plants that are also harmful, yet the Torah does not forbid them. Rather, the Torah prohibits the consumption of non-kosher
foods because of the invisible destructive effects that they have on a person's soul ~ meaning becoming spiritually
defiled and insensitive to the Torah experience.
With respect to the eating of forbidden foods, the harm caused by eating these foods is not physical. Rather,
they prevent a person from being able to 'tune in' to the Almighty, His Creation and His Commandments and reach
higher spiritual levels.
The laws of the Torah appear to focus very heavily on food. Not only are we told what we may and may not
eat, but also for one entire day each year we may not consume any food or drink whatsoever. Moreover, the Blessings that the
Torah promises for keeping the Commandments also give prominence to food. For examples: "You will eat your bread to satisfaction."
(Leviticus 26:5) and "I shall provide rain for your land in its proper time… that you may gather in your grain, wine,
and oil." (Deuteronomy 11:15)
Why does the Torah place such an emphasis on food?
One explanation may be found in the text of the curses that Moses warned would befall the Israelites if they failed
to live according to the Torah. These curses, Moses said, will come down on you because you did not serve Yahveh happily and
good-heartedly when everything was abundant. (Deut 28:47) From this we may suggest that the reason Yahveh created the huge
varieties of tasty foods for us is to appreciate Him, come close to Him, and serve Him with joy. Because there are certain
things that we may not eat, we appreciate all the more what we may eat. Remembering and being reminded once a year of what
it is like to go without food helps us to value what we eat at other times of the year. In saying blessings before and after
a meal, we express our enjoyment in the Source of our blessings and deepen our relationship with Him through gratitude ~
"happily and good-heartedly".
"You shall sanctify yourself, and you shall become holy, for I Am Holy." Leviticus 11:44
By abstaining from forbidden foods and appreciating all the more what we may eat, we come closer to Yahveh.
|
