torah: rabbi david etengoff

Kashrut and kedushah of the body and soul

Posted

The final chapter of Parashat Shemini contains more than 20 pasukim that discuss various aspects of the laws of kashrut. Therein, the Torah gives us general guidelines for determining the status of kosher and non-kosher mammals, fish and insects, and seven verses listing specific species of birds that we are forbidden to eat. In short, it is very nearly a self-contained “handbook” for understanding these laws on the Biblical level.

In his commentary on Sefer Shemot, the Ramban presents a powerful argument for understanding the laws of kashrut from a spiritual perspective. He begins by examining the phrase, “And you shall be holy people to Me” (22:30) and notes the following: “And now that the Torah has come to the beginning of its examination of the Laws of Forbidden foods, it begins with the phrase, “And you shall be holy people to Me,” for in truth, it is proper and fitting that a person should be able to eat anything that would enable him to live, [therefore,] it must be the case that the prohibitions that exist regarding various foods are for the exclusive purpose of the spiritual purification of the soul. [This means] that one should eat pure foods (literally, devarim nekiyim) that will not produce a thickness and arrogance of the soul. As such, the Torah states, “And you shall be holy people to Me,” which means that I [G-d] desire that you [the Jewish people] will be holy people in order that you will be fitting to Me, [so you will be able] to cleave to Me for I am holy. Therefore, do not sully your souls through the eating of disgusting things … [and in regards to a treifah (literally a torn animal)], while it is not revolting, holiness ensues when one guards themself from eating it. (Translation and brackets my own)

Page 1 / 4