From: Michael Bernstein
Subject: Inquiry about Dietary Laws in Judaism

Dear Rabbi Joshua,

I’ve always been curious about the Jewish dietary laws, particularly the restriction against pork. Could you please explain why Jews do not eat pork?

Thank you for your guidance,
Michael

The Basis of the Prohibition

Dear Michael,

Thank you for your question, which touches upon one of the fundamental aspects of Jewish dietary laws, known as kashrut. The prohibition against eating pork is explicitly mentioned in the Torah, in the book of Vayikra (Leviticus), where it states: “וְאֶת-הַחֲזִיר, כִּי-מַפְרִיס פַּרְסָה הוּא וְשֹׁסַע שֶׂסַע, וְהוּא גֵּרָה לֹא יִגָּר: טָמֵא הוּא לָכֶם” (Leviticus 11:7). This verse explains that the pig, though it has split hooves, does not chew its cud – it is therefore unclean for you.

Understanding Kashrut

The laws of kashrut are divine statutes for which the Torah does not explicitly state a reason. They are considered a type of chukim, laws that transcend human understanding. Observance of these laws is a mark of obedience to God’s will, as expressed in the Torah, and a commitment to spiritual discipline. The separation of certain animals as permissible or forbidden is one of the ways in which the Jewish people maintain their distinct spiritual identity, as per the verse: “לְהַבְדִּיל בֵּין הַטָּמֵא וּבֵין הַטָּהוֹר” – “to distinguish between the unclean and the clean” (Leviticus 11:47).

Health, Morality, and Symbolism

While the Torah does not provide explicit reasons for the prohibition of pork, various commentators have explored potential explanations ranging from health concerns to moral and symbolic interpretations. Maimonides, a preeminent medieval Jewish philosopher, suggested that the forbidden animals were generally considered impure due to their habits. Others have seen in these laws a call to elevate the act of eating from a physical necessity to a spiritual practice, infusing everyday life with holiness.

Contemporary Significance

In today’s world, the observance of kashrut continues to serve as a connection to Jewish tradition and history. It acts as a constant reminder of the Jewish people’s unique relationship with the Divine and the commitment to sanctify life in its most mundane facets. For the observant Jew, following dietary laws is not merely about health or ethics; it is about maintaining a sacred bond with God, community, and tradition.

Michael, I hope this helps to clarify the reasons behind the prohibition of pork in Jewish tradition. It is a multifaceted subject that encompasses obedience, identity, and spirituality. If you have further questions or seek more in-depth study, I am at your service.

Blessings,
Rabbi Joshua

Question from Ethan Shapiro:

Hello Rabbi Joshua,

I’ve noticed something intriguing in Jewish households and even in movies – when entering or leaving a room, Jews often touch and then kiss their fingers to the doorway. I’m curious to learn more about this practice. Could you explain why Jews kiss the door?

The Significance of the Mezuzah

Dear Ethan,

Thank you for your thoughtful inquiry. What you have observed is a deeply rooted practice in Judaism, and it is not exactly the door that Jews are kissing, but rather a mezuzah. A mezuzah is a small piece of parchment, inscribed with specific Hebrew verses from the Torah (Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and 11:13-21). These verses compose the Jewish prayer Shema Yisrael and express the fundamental Jewish belief in the oneness of God.

This parchment is placed inside a decorative case and affixed to the doorpost of Jewish homes. This act is a mitzvah — a commandment — as written in the Torah: “And you shall write them on the doorposts (mezuzot) of your house and on your gates” (Deuteronomy 6:9, 11:20).

Touching and Kissing the Mezuzah

When a Jew touches the mezuzah upon entering or leaving a room or building, it is a physical demonstration of their awareness and reverence for God’s presence. The act of kissing the fingers that touched the mezuzah is a further expression of love and respect for the divine commandments housed within it.

This gesture serves as a reminder of our covenant with God, the mitzvot that guide our daily lives, and God’s protective presence in our homes. It’s a moment of reflection, appreciation, and spiritual connection, a physical manifestation of the verse from Psalms 84:11, “For a sun and shield is the LORD God, grace and glory does He give.”

In Hebrew, the act is often referred to as נשיקת המזוזה (Neshikat HaMezuzah). It is a custom that spans across many Jewish communities, regardless of their level of observance. It is also customary to touch the mezuzah when one is in need of a reminder of God’s proximity or in search of comfort and protection.

Concluding Thoughts

Ethan, I hope this sheds light on the beautiful tradition you have observed. It is one of many that enrich the Jewish faith and the lives of its followers, weaving a tapestry of ritual and spirituality into the fabric of everyday life. May your exploration of Jewish traditions continue to bring you insight and understanding.

Shalom,

Rabbi Joshua

Dear Rabbi Joshua,
I’ve always been curious about the traditions of Judaism, and I hope you can shed some light on a particular practice that I’ve heard about but don’t fully understand. Why do Jews circumcise? I’m interested in the religious significance of this ritual.
Warm regards,
Michael Anderson

The Covenant of Circumcision

Dear Michael,

Thank you for your thoughtful question. Circumcision, known in Hebrew as Brit Milah (ברית מילה), is one of the oldest practices in Judaism and is rich with spiritual significance and religious obligation. It is a commandment given by God to Abraham, the patriarch of the Jewish people, as a sign of an everlasting covenant between God and Israel (Genesis 17:10-14).

Brit Milah in the Torah

The practice is rooted in the Torah, where in Genesis 17:10-14, God commands Abraham: “This is My covenant, which you shall keep, between Me and you and your offspring after you: Every male among you shall be circumcised. … Thus shall My covenant be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.” The act of circumcision is performed on the eighth day of a Jewish male’s life, barring any health issues that might delay the ceremony.

Physical and Spiritual Significance

Circumcision symbolizes several core concepts within Judaism:

• Identity: It is a physical mark of a Jewish male’s identity as part of the covenant with God.
• Connection: It represents a Jew’s connection to their ancestors and to the divine commandments.
• Commitment: Brit Milah is seen as a commitment to Jewish law (Halacha) and spirituality.
• Purification: The removal of the foreskin is sometimes seen as a symbolic act of purification, enhancing spiritual clarity and dedication.

Brit Milah Throughout Jewish History

Throughout centuries, Jews have observed this commandment even under the threat of persecution. It is one of the fundamental mitzvot (commandments) that has sustained the Jewish people and is a rite of passage for Jewish newborns, introducing them to their Jewish faith and community responsibilities.

The Ceremony of Brit Milah

The ceremony itself involves the circumcision and is typically followed by a celebratory meal, called a seudat mitzvah. A mohel, who is trained in both the surgical aspects and the Jewish laws pertaining to circumcision, performs the Brit Milah. The ceremony is imbued with prayers and blessings, emphasizing the joy and spiritual significance of entering the covenant.

Conclusion

Michael, Brit Milah is more than a physical act; it is a profound spiritual journey that begins at the dawn of a Jewish male’s life. It connects the physical body with a soul’s divine purpose, anchoring a Jewish child to his ancestors and to a future of living by the principles and teachings of Judaism.

May your pursuit of understanding lead you to deeper connections with the traditions and values that enrich our world.

With blessings,
Rabbi Joshua