Speculations about the Kosher laws: would our rabbis be more successful in
getting their message across if they exchanged their black frocks for white lab
coats?
30 Comments Posted
My oldest son was born prior to the standard testing of more than just PKU. Now days they test for at least five aminio acid dysfunctions. My child, normal at birth, by two years old had lost all speech and eye contact. The doctors tried to tell me that is was organic brain damage, but my child had good days and bad days. If one is organically missing an arm, they don't have it one day, and not the next. The doctors told me that my son should be intitutionalized or my marriage would surely be doomed. Within the month, I discovered a B vitamin, B15, that assisted my son, in that he had some amount of verbalization and eye contact within the week. The doctors refused to acknowledge such a miracle. My continued research revealed that my son had the amino acid dysfunction of homocysturia. By treatment of only diet and vitamins, my so called mentally reatarded, brain damaged and autistic son went from special education with aides to being in the eccelerated program by the 2nd grade
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To Gail Murphy:
I truly believe (of course) that this was Hashgacha Protis (divine providence) reading your post today. I would so appreciate your contacting me with any info regarding homocysturia (i have only been able to research homocysturnia). I believe that a young child has been suffering from this and has never been properly diagnosed. i can be contacted at emunah@bellsouth.net thank you so much for your time.
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This last part is a real stretch on a very thin connection. You can do better.
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Dear Rav Velvl Greene,
I'm afraid the science/religion issue is locked into the wrong arena. The essence of science is the spiritual effort of contemplation (Hitbonenut) that, at its best, is the effort called "B'Chol Levavcha....," that, if performed entirely and under the right conditions, would make the scientist's whole body into an instrument of creative vision and take him all the way into the PaRDeS.
As it is, the engine of science constitutes Eureka sparks of inspiration and sparks are restricted light - Klipa. In other words, science at its best, is locked into Tuma and the Mitzva of "B'Chol Levavcha" rationalized by vanity. In effect, it is totally neglected.
If you would like to explore this discussion as a function of effort rather than as polemical speculation from lower mind, I invite you to read my essay, "Science as Applied Kabbalah." I promise you that it will be an eye opener.
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Perhaps it might be helpful to take note that these molecules you speak of are full of energy inside their nucleus. Although man has been able to access it and release atomic energy it has not been able to ascertain how this energy when diffused on its own effects the environment. Perhaps this enegy still has many mysyerious aspects to man that will be released as we get closer to Maschiach or when in fact he comes. Thinking about this might enable one to consider that since atoms make up matter each and every animal might have some effect upon this energy or this energy might have some effect upon this particular species. Perhaps that can be considered as a reason why the souls of certain peoples must not eat them.
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When i was a child back in the 1950's i lived in Washington,DC my family was very poor we lived in the old southwest part some people where well off it was kind of mixed up i'am Baptist but i had a Jewish friend who lived on the corner of 4th. and M st. sw. i would go to the row house where he lived up stairs and his parents would give me a piece of hard flat bread which tasted good i always wondered what it was i think it was round thank you.
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The key difference between science and religion is that science relies on the ability to conduct repeatable experiments with measurable results.
Since its inception, science has given us both repeatable experiments and concrete results. Even if one does not wish to conduct experiments of one's own, the results of science are all around us, in tangible objects.
Even in the case of PKU and other silent diseases, science has given us diagnostic tests, studies of treatment methods, and clinical signs of these diseases. The mother of this child can observe the doctors at work and see if their methods are successful. The mother can learn about the science of the disease and even conduct an experiment upon her own child, by giving or denying treatment. This is the crux of the matter that demonstrates the truthfulness or falsehood of the science.
Addressing the topic of the article, there must be a repeatable experiment to demonstrate these spiritual molecules. If they exist, they must interact with us in some observable fashion, or how can they affect us at all? To make your idea scientific, you must meet the standards of science.
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The analogy between the letters of the alphabet and the structure of atoms is a true one, but bear in mind also that in the alphabet of China, for instance, the letters are radically different from those of the Hebrew alphabet. The existence of alphabets, at least in cultures with written languages, being universal, but letters of one alphabet expressing a culture (and cultural reality) that co-exists with other cultures.
An alphabet functions to give form to language, yet it also reflects, informs and helps construct a unique cultural reality, a reality that in turn developed those particular letters.
Letters act to form words, just as molecules act to form more tangible structures, but the letters can look different from one culture (reality) to another. Still letters, still language, but form and function intertwine as the outgrowth of a living process of culture. The perspective a unique one, with its own particular version of letters and language as a result.
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This article makes me think of quantum concept, which posits that there is more than one potential reality, with each reality being the construct of perspective.
Each version of reality is shaped by belief and perception. Seeing reality in this way could justify kashrut on some spiritual level (the level at which belief acts), even though it may not play out on the field of scientific rationale.
Thus, the acceptance and practice of kashrut comes out of a belief and faith. The reality of this belief and faith co-existing with the reality of others who are not Jewish and who freely eat traifa foods. So on that level, it may be that kashrut does have a scientific cachet, that of quantum speculation.
The question then becomes, how do we create our spiritual reality, or can it operate as a force beyond our individual beliefs? If kashrut is a part of spiritual reality for Jews, but not necessary for non-Jews, does this not suggest that spiritual reality is also unique?
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Can these two realities co-exist?
Can a scientist be religious?
I AM a scientist (a chemist actually!) and I consider myself spiritual (i am working on the religious part).
I find it interesting that in the scientific world, or in the world in general, there is such a strong need to EXPLAIN everything in a "rational" way. There must be some physiological explantation to Kashrut laws, right?
YET - in the scientific world - we model certain reactions. Everything is theory. It may be generally accepted (like that molecules are groups of atoms), but can't be totally proven.
Not only that - science is forever changing. High fat, low fat, high protein, high carb low carb diets etc...
The only thing that is constant - is the Torah.
We may try and find explanations for Kashrut laws, but they are what they are. In the time since they were given to us, no one has disputed them...there may be explanations or discussions or wonder but they are accepted as Law.
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At uni as a student I never understand the need of the system to explain every thing ,so we will be able to put things in patterns ..
I did not connect with that because the fact that as time gos by we see in the many fields of science ,that all theories are only part of the truth ,as if it is only one angle of the view . just by definding things and putting them in "hagdara" which means in a box to firm it ,we block all the other options .
to try and understand the world is not a bad thing ,it is to look for a meaning .once we recognize we are looking for meaning (god) ,we will be happier as a nation .all human beings attempts even more so of Jews ,is to explain nature by home made lows (science ) how can a wave know the ocean ? how we understand all god's ways ? we are only waves in the big ocean ....come and gos ...
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Something to think about. Not a physical thing- but a riddle of Kashrut. Why ruminants only? They eat, lay down, bring up the food and chew on it a while- like we are to do w the Torah! A hog looks kosher outwardly- but inwardly is not. A camel is kosher inwardly- but not outwardly. We are to be true to G-D inwardly- but it is to be reflected outwardly in living out HIS ways- the Torah. Nor are we to be scavengers or "birds of prey". We are to have a guide (fins) and have armor (scales)- He is our shield!! Just "food" for thought
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Like with PKU, the affect of eating unkosher food is initially undetectable. Pork is different from lamb in what itself consumes. When one eats something, he is also eating what his meal has consumed, this is a scientific "fact." Pigs eat everything that is put in front of them- including their young. Hence the name for people whose eating habits are similar). Their diet knows no bounds and so they pass trace amounts of filth to their consumer. This is molecularly undetectable. This goes along with the concept of spiritual consumption. The mind affects the body and the soul and vice-versa. And everything is affected by everything else, however small and seemingly not so. It is this subtlety that is undetectable to our ignorant eyes that governs why. Now that's not to sound presumptuous on G-d's part, but the logic is consistent, that what goes around, comes around.
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We may need a MORE strict Kashrut system, as even Kosher food can give us diseases. In fact, desserts and Challah made from white sugar and white flour are JUST as harmful or MORE to our bodies as are the dietary no-no foods. Also, the addition of too much SALT in our foods is terrible and raises blood pressure. Kosher meats with the FAT on them raises cholesterol. Wherein is the "healthy" in Kosher, if it still ends up giving us heart attacks and strokes?
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I'm not Jewish, but I do believe there was more to G-d's food laws than just making up another law. That would be something that man does. No, G-d would have a reason. I don't see how a pig can be healthy. It is filthy and will absolutely eat anything including it's own. Catfish will eat anything. I've been very sick after eating catfish out of a river before. Does it not stand to reason that G-d wants his children to live healthy lives. What is the point of living a long life if you're not well enough to enjoy it? I believe I have a choice in what I want to eat. I just prefer to stick to G-ds original plan. I do hope you don't mind me sharing your web site. I would never purposely offend anyone.
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In the book " Eat for your blood type", the doctor claims that depending on our individual blood types, some food is medicinal, some poisonous, and some simply neutral. Apparently the majority of the Jewish population have type B blood, and the list of foods not reccommended, fall in line with their dietary laws. I am not Jewish, but I am type B, and I have found that I instinctively have never really enjoyed shellfish,or pork. In talking to friends a lot of them didn't like the foods they were restricted from anyway. So maybe there is something to it and it's just not beneficial.
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More about your children's condition than the doctors. I believe G-d has blessed you both with the courage and spirit of strength to delve into the origins of the disease and figure out what to do about it. Was G-d in your efforts? I do believe so. Mazeltov and please let us know how your children are now.
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Thank you for your article, I enjoyed reading it yesterday. I am a Christian, but I love to study the Old Testament. I found your article because I was wondering about why G-d made the dietary restrictions for his people in Leviticus. I agree that G-d has reasons why He says what He says.
I also found this really good article, which is helpful in answering my question...it talks about the "unclean" animals, and why consuming them is can be bad for our health. (This article was written by a Christian, and he recommends that Christians should also follow the dietary restrictions regarding unclean animals in Leviticus). The title of the article is
"Do you really want to eat that?" by Douglas S. Winnail
(Just Google the title with the author, and you'll find the article)
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Hmmm. Quite a stretch. I think that this is an amazing way to get away from the fact that some things we do as Jews in following Torah to the letter are really just tradition. Plain and simple. Yet, I can see some physical reasons why certain animals should not be eaten. Pig, because it has no sweat glands and the poisons remain in the flesh until they drip out of the feet. Shrimp because they eat the poop of other animals. (Yet, Carp also do and we make gefilte fish from carp). Rabbits because they are too cute. Horses because they are more muscle than fat. None of those animals have any spiritual molecules, and as far as I know, they don't worship G-d. Just a little humor, here.
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I know a family who has strict dietary laws and they are very sick. From Cancer to kidney disease, do you blame it on the diet or other problems? My dad ate everything and he lived to be 88 years old and was never sick until he was in a car accident. It's not what goes into your mouth it's what comes out of it! Slander, gossip, etc.
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You wrote:
we don't know why blood, certain fatty tissues and the sciatic nerve are forbidden
HaShem says because the blood and fat are His. The nerve because of Jacob. Thise are reasons.
As for the other forbidden foods, they do have harmful effects on our bodies. The first thing doctor's told my husband to eliminate from his diet after his hear attack was pork. Of course, we already did not eat pork, but, nevertheless it shows they know it is detrimental to health.
as far as the scavengers go, why would you want to consume anything that subsisted on the waste of other creatures?They contribute to cholesterol problems.
Even though the Torah does not specifically give the reasons in all cases, science can certainly back up some of them.
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That's correct you shoudn't eat blood or nerves and my family never did. As for the pork the doctor probably said stay away from it because pork has a large salt content. In this day and age what is safe to eat? Farmers are mixing genes, fish is posion with all kinds of chemicals, who would think the eggs are contaminated. Thanks for a great article!
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Wanda Cook: "...In a normal healthy balanced body there can be no place for oscillating polarities or conflict energies. If you would like a complete list of foods that have oscillating energy patterns, read the Fourteenth Chapter of Deuteronomy in the Bible. The foods that Moses said not to eat all have an oscillating energy pattern."
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Possibly, the investigation of the consequences of eating unclean food is misguided. What I suggest is that eating an unclean food one time might be significant enough to alter the gut, such that if even a little gets in, the person’s entire life will be affected afterwards, and that it probably does not matter the amount that is consumed. For example, I can’t eat gluten. It has occurred to me that this is either because I digest gluten too much or not enough. If it is that I don’t digest it enough, then the affect might be genetic. However, if I digest gluten too much, it may be because I ate something unclean which causes me to digest it more than a normal person would. For example, an extra enzyme may have cultured in my gut, perhaps through accidental ingestion of some wheat eating insect, such that my response to gluten became similar to that of the insect, which is completely inappropriate for someone with a human body.
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What was the hard, flat bread he was given in a Jewish home. Probably, it was Matzoh. You can get it in most supermarkets, and it comes in many flavors. The whole wheat is the highest in nutrition. To Rosie in Toronto, if you want to eat the listing of clean foods only, this is up to you. Not being Jewish, you don't even need to look for the K or U Kosher symbols. If it makes you feel closer to G-d to follow the list of clean animals, this would be beneficial for you. Is it necessary for your relationship with G-d? Not necessary, but you may FEEL closer with G-d. Also, as I said, for some of the food restrictions, there is a medical or physical reason. Did you know that pork is higher in sodium than beef? For people taking high blood pressure medication, this may be a consideration in their food choices, as they are on a low sodium diet. Someone told me the other day that shrimp are the cockroaches of the ocean. Ewwwwwww.
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With regard to the physical harm caused by eating pork, modern science has proved a number of things, such as the following:
* Pork is regarded as one of the kinds of meat that contain the most cholesterol, an increase of which in the bloodstream leads to an increased likelihood of blocked arteries. The fatty acids in pork are also of an unusual formation, when compared with the fatty acids in other types of food, which makes them more easily absorbed by the body, thus increasing cholesterol levels.
* Pork meat and pork fat contribute to the spread of cancers of the colon, rectum, prostate and blood.
* Pork meat and pork fat contribute to obesity and related diseases that are difficult to treat.
* Eating pork leads to scabies, allergies and stomach ulcers.
* Eating pork causes lung infections which result from tapeworms, lungworms and microbial infections of the lungs
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One thing I know about pork is that when I when I walk by a Chinese food restaurant, all the pork fat in the air makes my stomach feel completely empty and impossible to fill.
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Although we can not EAT them,they are very useful in saving a life medically. Some of their body parts can save our lives or give us relief in healing, I was looking into a surgery wherein I had a choice of MESH or tissue from a pig, and of course I said I don't want a pig inside me. However, I asked a rabbi and was told that to save a life and for medical purposes, it's ok. Now, I hear that the MESH procedures can cause terrible symptoms and the mesh can break off, deteriorate, harm the female organs, etc, and there is even a class action lawsuit against the mesh that is used in those surgeries. The pig tissue, however, is strong and lasts many, many years. So, we can NOT eat pig, but can USE pig to help save our lives in an emergency for medical reasons. I don't believe any other unclean animal is that useful.
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While all the medical reasons are very good and appropriate, and spell out personal benefits of kashrut, I think we tend to miss the point when that is our focus. Though health is a benefit of kashrut, the focus of kashrut is holiness, and the lesons can be profound, Such as regarding pork- a pig is "kosher" externally, but not internallly. And they stink. So must we strive for holiness inside, not as an external show, which stinks. Others are kosher internallly, but have no outward expression of being kosher. So we must not hide the holiness inside, but use it as a light to shine g-dliness to others.
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No picture, no proof, who wrote these rules and why do they still apply in the 21st century?!
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