Saturday, April 04, 2009
Keeping Kosher: Dietary laws integral part of Jewish life
Passover, the Jewish holiday commemorating the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt, begins at sundown Wednesday.
The Passover tradition centers on the Seder dinner. Rich in symbolism, the Seder recounts the story of Moses’ exploits and the Israelites’ liberation as recorded in the book of Exodus in the Torah.
As with so many holidays, food plays a central part in Passover. How that food is prepared is crucial. All Passover foods must be “kosher” or “kashrut.”
What is the spiritual significance of keeping kosher?
“The biblical commandment of a certain way of eating is to create discipline,” said Rabbi Mendy Sasonkin of the Revere Road Synagogue in Akron, Ohio. “It teaches a person to be disciplined in everything else in life. It helps a person, in refining their character. In turn, you do the right things and get closer to God.”
Jewish dietary laws are detailed in the Torah’s Pentateuch, or the First Five Books of Moses. Only certain animals are permitted to be eaten, and they must be humanely slaughtered (shechitah) according to a very specific and detailed method. The methodology, Sasonkin said, is spelled out in the Talmud, a collection of rabbinical commentaries about Jewish law and theology.
http://www.norwichbulletin.com/lifestyles/x1579113920/Keeping-Kosher-Dietary-laws-integral-part-of-Jewish-life
The Passover tradition centers on the Seder dinner. Rich in symbolism, the Seder recounts the story of Moses’ exploits and the Israelites’ liberation as recorded in the book of Exodus in the Torah.
As with so many holidays, food plays a central part in Passover. How that food is prepared is crucial. All Passover foods must be “kosher” or “kashrut.”
What is the spiritual significance of keeping kosher?
“The biblical commandment of a certain way of eating is to create discipline,” said Rabbi Mendy Sasonkin of the Revere Road Synagogue in Akron, Ohio. “It teaches a person to be disciplined in everything else in life. It helps a person, in refining their character. In turn, you do the right things and get closer to God.”
Jewish dietary laws are detailed in the Torah’s Pentateuch, or the First Five Books of Moses. Only certain animals are permitted to be eaten, and they must be humanely slaughtered (shechitah) according to a very specific and detailed method. The methodology, Sasonkin said, is spelled out in the Talmud, a collection of rabbinical commentaries about Jewish law and theology.
http://www.norwichbulletin.com/lifestyles/x1579113920/Keeping-Kosher-Dietary-laws-integral-part-of-Jewish-life
Comments:
"to create discipline?"
If I want discipline, I'll join the army. How about "Because God said so?"
Or is this too trivial?
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If I want discipline, I'll join the army. How about "Because God said so?"
Or is this too trivial?
Comment Credit ---This article posted by 
: April 05, 2009 8:49 PM
: April 05, 2009 8:49 PM
