Why Kosher?

The conclusion of this week’s Torah reading speaks about the laws of kashrus: which animals may be eaten and which may not. These laws are placed in the category of chukim, laws that do not have an explanation within the realm of mortal wisdom. We eat certain meats because G‑d said we could, and we don’t eat others because He commanded us not to, not for any other logical reason.

Chassidus explains that both approaches have validity. All of the mitzvos should be fulfilled because that is what G‑d wants. If He commanded us to chop firewood or draw water, we should do so gladly. For the very fact that we are fulfilling His command establishes a bond between us and Him; there is nothing greater than that. Being that He created the world and everything within it, He knows that certain species have undesirable qualities and if we partake of them, those undesirable qualities will be assimilated into our bodies and into our characters. As a favor to us, He told us which foods to eat and which not to eat.

Other Rabbis differ. They explain that we should fulfill G‑d’s will because it is His will. We don’t need a reason to do what He wants. We should do what He wants because He wants it, and we should feel happy that He has given us the opportunity to connect to Him by fulfilling His will.

Chassidus explains that there is validity to both approaches. All of the mitzvos should be fulfilled because that is what G‑d wants. The very fact that we are fulfilling His command establishes a bond between Him and us; there is nothing greater than that.

On the other hand, G‑d is not a creature of whim. He, His will, and His wisdom are one. And thus, everything that He wants also has a reason. G‑d is the ultimate good, and as such, He wants to grant us consummate good. For this reason, He made known His will by giving us the Torah and its mitzvos. He does not compel us to fulfill these mitzvos. He gives us free choice, and we can do whatever we please. Nevertheless, He has shown us a path that conforms with His will and His wisdom that, should we choose to embark on it, will bring us absolute good in both the spiritual and the material spheres.

Shabbat Shalom!

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