1. Introduction to Kosher Food in the Parsha
This week’s parsha discusses the topic of kosher food. We began by reviewing the verses in English, going around the table and reading aloud the section that introduces which animals are kosher and which are not. The Torah specifies that certain animals, such as the camel, hyrax, and hare, chew their cud but do not have split hooves, while the pig has split hooves but does not chew its cud. These animals are considered tamei—unclean—and may not be eaten or even touched after death. This section is found in Chumash Devarim—the Book of Deuteronomy—where Moshe Rabbeinu recounts and reviews what took place during the forty years in the desert, including a repetition of the laws of kosher animals first given earlier in the Torah.2. The Signs of Kosher Animals: Split Hooves and Chewing Cud
From these verses, we learn that for an animal to be kosher—meaning permissible to eat according to Torah law—it must both chew its cud and have split hooves. There is also a process required before eating: shechita—ritual slaughter—must be performed. The Torah provides examples but also gives a general rule: both signs must be present. Interestingly, outside of the specific examples mentioned (like the pig and camel), no other animal has been found with only one sign, which is remarkable and often cited as evidence for the Torah’s divine origin.3. Are Kosher Signs Inherently Significant?
A key question arises: Why do these particular signs make an animal kosher? Is there something inherently significant about split hooves and chewing cud? Or are these simply external signs Hashem gave us to distinguish between kosher and non-kosher animals? One approach is that Hashem needed to provide us with a way to identify which animals are permitted, so He gave us these two signs as markers. However, this would mean there is no inherent connection between these physical traits and spiritual fitness for consumption.4. The Deeper Meaning Behind Split Hooves
Upon deeper reflection, we see that everything in Torah is precise and meaningful, even if we do not immediately perceive the connection. On a spiritual level, physical signs often reflect deeper truths. Focusing on split hooves: what is their significance? The foot of most animals is flat, but for a kosher animal it must be split into two distinct parts all the way up to the bone. This physical trait becomes symbolic in our discussion—not just a random marker but something with spiritual resonance.5. The Hasidic Perspective on Food and Elevation
Hasidus teaches that food is more than just physical sustenance; it plays a role in elevating creation. All existence is divided into four categories: doymim—inanimate objects; tzomeach—growing things (plants); chai—living creatures (animals); and medaber—speaking beings (humans). Each level can elevate what is below it: plants grow from earth, animals eat plants, humans eat both plants and animals (if permitted). When we eat food properly—kosher food with a bracha—we elevate all levels below us by using their energy for Torah and mitzvos.6. Elevation Through Kosher Eating: Spiritual Lessons
The process of eating becomes an act of spiritual elevation when done according to Torah guidelines. Our purpose in this world is to live lives of Torah and mitzvos, making ourselves and our surroundings more refined and holy. When we eat kosher food with proper intent, we reveal godliness hidden within creation—a process likened to seeking out Hashem who “hides” Himself within this world much like a child playing hide-and-seek.7. Split Hooves as a Symbol for Avodas Hashem
The requirement for split hooves teaches us an important lesson about serving Hashem: true service requires more than just following our natural inclinations or doing what comes easily or comfortably to us. Just as split hooves go in two directions, our service must transcend one-dimensionality—we must be willing to serve Hashem even when it challenges us or goes against our nature. For example, Avraham Avinu was tested ten times by Hashem, culminating in being asked to bring his beloved son Yitzchak as an offering—a request completely contrary to his kind nature. Only after passing this test did Hashem say “now I know that you fear God,” because Avraham demonstrated devotion beyond his natural disposition.8. Serving Beyond Our Comfort Zone: Stories from Chazal
This idea appears again in stories from Chazal such as Rav Chanina ben Teradyon who risked his life teaching Torah despite Roman decrees forbidding it. When asked if he merited Olam Haba (the World to Come), he recounted giving away all his money for tzedakah when it became mixed with charity funds—a deed outside his natural inclination for Torah study alone. The Alter Rebbe explains that true avodah is when one serves Hashem not only through what comes naturally or brings personal satisfaction but also by stepping beyond comfort zones into areas less familiar or enjoyable—like giving tzedakah when one’s passion lies elsewhere.9. Practical Application: Split Hooves in Daily Life
We see this principle reflected in great leaders such as the Rebbe’s father or other tzaddikim who interrupted their own intense Torah study or personal avodah to help others with practical needs—sending matzah to soldiers or caring for women after childbirth on Yom Kippur itself. The message from our parsha is clear: if our service of Hashem only follows one direction—if we only do what feels good or comes easily—then it may not be truly “kosher.” True avodah requires “split hooves,” serving Hashem wherever needed even if it means leaving our comfort zone. Chewing cud has its own lessons which will be discussed another time, but for now we focus on this essential message: To elevate ourselves and our world through kosher living means embracing both sides of ourselves and serving Hashem fully wherever He leads us.