Kashrut and Purity

It is well known that an animal must chew its cud and have split feet, in order to be kosher and fit for consumption. It is not clear why these specific signs determine its permissibility.

It is clear that the Torah for whatever reason, puts these animals in the category of being pure and worthy of Temple sacrifices.

This leads to the overall reason for the laws of keeping kosher. The food we eat is part of our overall obligation to conduct ourselves in the ways of holiness.

The section on Kashrut ends by telling us that it is to “separate between the impure and the pure, and the animals permitted to be eaten, and those forbidden to eat”

The Jew must remember his special destiny in conducting himself in all aspects of life, in the ways of holiness. This includes how he interacts with people, how he does business, how he prays, and what and how he eats.

We are to be an example to others. There are situations where a secular Jew rarely might come in contact with an observant Jew. That observant Jew could be you! Their entire impression of Torah Judaism, might come from that one encounter with you.

This is why we should be careful to act in an exemplary manner in all that we do. The Kashrut laws serve to emphasize this very point.