Weekly Halacha Yomit: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch

This week, much of the learning is dedicated to various laws and aspects of Kashrut. In the Kitzur, we read about 'forbidden foods' (46) including prohibitions regarding mixing meat and milk, and non-Kosher wine (47). One question pervades this particular topic – why? Why do we need to keep the laws of Kashrut? Why do we require all these special laws regarding our diet?

There are typically two responses to this type of question. The first is pragmatic, practical and searches for the reasons for Kashrut. One article suggests the following reasons:

1. Hygiene – the laws are designed in a way that our diet is healthier.
2. Moral lessons – we learn to be kind to others by laws concerning slaughter and treatment of animals.
3. National reasons – to retain a national identity, we have separate dietary requirements.
4. Mystical – we are to be a holy nation, so we have 'holy' eating habits; the food we eat is 'holy'.
5. Discipline – being disciplined in regards to kashrut shows we can exert control in other areas of our life too.

[To see the full article vist http://www.aish.com/literacy/mitzvahs/Why_Kosher$.asp ]

While I do not disagree with any of the reasons presented above, I prefer to take a somewhat different approach to the question of Kashrut. Kashrut is one of a type of Mitzva called chukim, or a single chok. These are commonly referred to as Mitzvot which 'have no reason'. Rambam rejects this notion (Moreh Nevuchim III:31) saying that the "sole object of the Law is to benefit us" and does not need to fit with human reasoning. In other words, the 'reason' for observing Kashrut and other chukim is not due to hygiene, discipline, etc, but rather simply because it is the word of G-d. Hashem has commanded us to keep the laws of Kashrut, therefore, while we may not understand some of the rules – why can't I eat a cheeseburger? Why do I have to wait 6 hours after eating meat before I can eat milky food? – we always return to the same answer – Hashem has commanded to behave thus, so we should do so. This is in the knowledge that Hashem has promised us that following his commands will be "for our good always, that He might preserve us alive, as it is this day" (Devarim 6:24).

If you have any comments or feedback, please email daniel@worldmizrachi.org .

• Kitzur Shulchan Aruch with English linear translation: http://www.geocities.com/yona_n.geo/index.html
• Hebrew Kitzur Shulchan Aruch with nekudot: http://www.kitzur.net
• Hebrew Kitzur Shulchan Aruch without nekudot: http://www.shofar.net/Content/Kitzur_Shulchan.htm?id=5417
• Kitzur Shulchan Aruch project, calendars and order books: http://www.kitzuryomi.org/
• Kitzur Shulchan Aruch with Misgeret HaShulchan: http://www.hebrewbooks.org/9214
• Kitzur Shulchan Aruch with She'arim Ha'Metzuyanim B'Halachah:
  • Part 1 - http://www.hebrewbooks.org/14621
  • Part 2 - http://www.hebrewbooks.org/14622
  • Part 3 - http://www.hebrewbooks.org/14619
  • Part 4 - http://www.hebrewbooks.org/14620
• Selected chapters grouped by theme: http://www.torah.org/learning/halacha/
• New Artscroll Kitzur Shulchan Aruch. Sample available at: http://www.artscroll.com/Books/ksa1.html