Parashat Shmini 5783

by Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields

Parashat Shmini provides the basis for the Kashrut laws. Animals are required to have a split hoof and chew its cud, and fish are required to have scales and fins. However, the laws of keeping Kosher are far more complex than that. Keeping Kosher is about discipline and mindful eating. One must think before one eats, and ruminate over what was previously eaten, and how many hours you have consumed meat before milk. One must contemplate whether a meat product is Kosher, and if it might have a side dish presented with it that has milk mixed in with it. Nowadays, how one keeps Kosher, and incorporates the laws of Kashrut into one’s daily lives is often very personal, and one should not judge another. Nevertheless, in whatever way one includes the laws of Kashrut into one’s life, creates an atmosphere of mindfulness and often takes strength to think before one eats. Chazak v’Ematz – Be Strong and Courageous!