With the New Year approaching Rabbi David Woznica offers a twist on the popular resolution of beginning a diet. This week he offers inquiries into Torah teachings that elevate the act of eating. Here are his thoughts about this spiritual diet.
What’s the Big Deal about Cheeseburgers?
Three times the Torah legislates “You shall not seethe a kid in its mother’s milk” (Exodus 23:19, 34:26 and Deuteronomy 14:21). This law has been understood to prohibit having milk products and meat in the same meal and why there’s a waiting period between eating them.
Why? Maimonides suggests it was the custom of idolaters to prepare baby goat (kid) in that fashion and Judaism consistently distanced Jews from idolater’s practices. The explanation that I find most compelling is that of Rabbi Jacob Milgrom who explained milk represents life (what a mother feeds her young) and the substance sustaining life “should not be fused or confused with a process associated with its death (cooking).” It is one of many arenas where Judaism separates life and death.
Many other commentators suggest the reason for the prohibition of milk and meat is beyond our understanding and the benefit of observing the law is heightened precisely because we don’t understand the motive. In other words, we observe it as an act of faith in God.
The separation of milk and meat is the motivation for Jews who have two sets of dishes, pots, pans, and utensils. For many with a kosher kitchen, it’s among the defining elements of their Jewish home.
— Rabbi David Woznica
Tomorrow: Kosher: Give it a try?
Rabbi Woznica can be reached via email at [email protected].