Kashrut

 Re’eh

Deut. 11:26 - 16:17

 

Précis: Moses begins by quoting God, saying “Behold (re’eh), I set before you a blessing and a curse this day.” The blessing flows from observance of the laws and the curses result from violations. A concern with idolatry permeates the following verses. The parasha explains that there will be a single site for sacrifices. A test for a false prophet and the punishment of an idolatrous city are included. The parasha then shifts to other subjects: a prohibition against self-mutilation, the biblical basis of the laws of kashrut, tithing so that the needs are met for the Levites, the "stranger, the fatherless, and the widow.” Remission of debts, freeing of Hebrew slaves, and the dedication of firstborn cattle are discussed, as are the commandments for the observance of Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot.

 

Deut. 14:2-3 “For you are a people consecrated to Adonai, your God; your God chose you from among all other peoples on earth to be a treasured people. You shall not eat anything abhorrent.”

 

I will admit it. In recent years, I have had increasing trouble with the concept of kashrut. The principle reasons the Sages offer for its observance (it was God’s command, it keeps us separate from other peoples, it limits our passion by recognizing that there are limits) seem less relevant to me today than they once were. Nevertheless, I persevere in my current level of observance.

            Perhaps it is because I no longer have parents or grandparents whom I wish not to anger.

            Perhaps the rationales offered by the Sages do not resonate with the same frequency or dynamic that they once did.

            Perhaps it is because some of the kashrut certifying entities are corrupt, and perhaps because producers of kosher products do not all observe appropriate standards of ethical behavior viz a viz animals or their employees.

            Nevertheless, I still have an emotional tie to this tradition which translates into higher priced meat and poultry, multiple sets of pots and dishes and silverware. I am not sure why I still do this.

            It’s been said that to be an Israelite is to literally wrestle with God. I continue to wrestle.