Laws on the food we may or may not eat are given in a number of passages in the Torah. The reason for their observance, given again and again, is put (in Leviticus xi, 44) in these words: For I am the Lord your G-d; sanctify yourselves therefore and be holy, for I am holy. The Torah thus clearly states that the purpose of the dietary laws is to attain the ideal of holiness. Israel, a people consecrated to G-d, must strive to be holy by following His ways and keeping His commandments, and by not doing those things wich the Torah calls impure and abominable.
This needs great self-control. It is invaluable in training us to resist temptations which would lead us away from righteous paths. In addition, the Dietary Laws, like many other commandments, distinguish us from other peoples and prevent us from assimilating with them. So they have been vital in preserving the indentity and purity of the Jewish race.
The benefits for the Jewish people of strict adherence to the Dietary Lawshave been discussed by many writers. Maimonides, in his 'Guide to the Perplexed', suggests that the object of the laws is to restrain the growth of desire and the idea that eating and drinking are man's sole aim. A number of writers point out that some of the forbidden foods are injurious to health. Others, taking the human approach, show that many of the laws of Shechitah are designed to spare the animal as much pain as possible.
The reasons are sound, but they must be considered as supplementary to the chief aim mentioned in the Torah - to attain the state of holiness. |
