I am sure that, like me, you have heard some of the supposed reasons for the laws of Kashrus. Some say these laws were instituted to prevent the spread of diseases such as Trichinosis which is, G-d forbid, caused by under-cooked pork products. Or, perhaps, that most of the forbidden animals are scavengers and thus inherently unclean. Or even that many of the forbidden animals are predators and thus we do not want to partake in their nature.
None of these really explains the complex laws of Kashrus, they don't even explain the laws of clean and unclean animals since there are far too many exceptions to these general "explanations."
What is important to understand is that there are two different kinds of mitzvos, those that a reason are given for and those for which G-d gives us no reason.
Chazal (our sages) tell us that we just heard a clue in Parshas Re'eh. In chapter 14, there is an exposition of part of the laws of Kashrus and both before and after this section Moshe Rabenu wrote "For you are a holy people to Hashem, your G-d..." Chazal tell us that this demonstrates a connection between the laws of Kashrus and our standing as a "holy people." Surely, this is important enough to catch our attention.
If you are already shomer kashrus, reach out to your fellows and help them observe this important mitzva. If you are not yet keeping a kosher home why not start? It is not easy, at first, and it requires some effort to learn the laws and how to implement them in your kitchen and dining room, but it is a real and tangible way to express your love of Hashem and his mitvos, it is also a way of constantly reminding yourself of your status and obligations as a Jew.
While a complete discussion of the laws of Kashrus is beyond the scope of this blog, we are always willing to assist people who want to become more observant either by practical counseling or providing information and referrals to books and organizations that do provide in-depth information on this subject.
I can promise you that the rewards of keeping a kosher household are far more than the efforts of kashering and keeping kosher.
None of these really explains the complex laws of Kashrus, they don't even explain the laws of clean and unclean animals since there are far too many exceptions to these general "explanations."
What is important to understand is that there are two different kinds of mitzvos, those that a reason are given for and those for which G-d gives us no reason.
Chazal (our sages) tell us that we just heard a clue in Parshas Re'eh. In chapter 14, there is an exposition of part of the laws of Kashrus and both before and after this section Moshe Rabenu wrote "For you are a holy people to Hashem, your G-d..." Chazal tell us that this demonstrates a connection between the laws of Kashrus and our standing as a "holy people." Surely, this is important enough to catch our attention.
If you are already shomer kashrus, reach out to your fellows and help them observe this important mitzva. If you are not yet keeping a kosher home why not start? It is not easy, at first, and it requires some effort to learn the laws and how to implement them in your kitchen and dining room, but it is a real and tangible way to express your love of Hashem and his mitvos, it is also a way of constantly reminding yourself of your status and obligations as a Jew.
While a complete discussion of the laws of Kashrus is beyond the scope of this blog, we are always willing to assist people who want to become more observant either by practical counseling or providing information and referrals to books and organizations that do provide in-depth information on this subject.
I can promise you that the rewards of keeping a kosher household are far more than the efforts of kashering and keeping kosher.
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