A common discussion among those who are just exploring religious
observance is whether Judaism follows asceticism, denying oneself worldly
pleasures in an effort to achieve holiness. Judaism, however, has a very
positive view of worldly things, meaning that Jewish philosophy encourages us
to use the physical to uplift ourselves and the world. Bless the food that you
are enjoying. Use your home to hosts guests. Enjoy the beauty of nature as a
means of praising the Artist. There have, of course, been individuals or groups
that have taken upon themselves extra fasting or that which might appear like
asceticism, but the underlying philosophy has never been that the physical is
bad.
This week's parsha, Parshas Re'eh, includes a section on the
laws of kosher animals. "A-ha!" a skeptical person might argue noting
that Judaism frames the physical world in good and bad this way. However, this,
again, is only when one looks at Torah through an outside perspective. The
non-kosher animals are not bad, they just have roles in the world other than
food.
Because aspects of the physical world are our tools for
elevating ourselves, we do not label them good or bad. All of the world is
Hashem’s creation; therefore, none of it is bad. However, just because
something is good (or isn’t bad) doesn’t mean that it is good for us. This is
one of the biggest and most important concepts that we have in Judaism. Just
because you can do/have/take something, doesn’t mean you should.
We are not able to truly understand the chok that underlies
the laws of kashrut – why cows are fine to eat but not rabbits – because we are
unable to witness the spiritual ramifications of our diet. (Unlike eating cakes
and candies without limit, which we do see the results of.)
Interestingly, the laws of kashrus recorded in Devarim 14
are followed by the commandment to set aside a tenth of all one’s yield from
the field and to consume it “in the presence of Hashem your God, in the place
where [God] will choose to establish the divine name, so that you may learn to
revere Hashem your God forever” (14:24). If, however, a person deems himself
too far to bring his tithe, the Torah states: “You may convert them into money.
Wrap up the money and take it with you to the place that Hashem your God has
chosen, and spend the
money on anything you want—cattle, sheep, wine, or other intoxicant, or
anything you may desire. And you shall feast there, in the presence of Hashem your
God, and rejoice with your household” (14:26-27).
It is almost easy to miss those words, uvchol asher tishalacha
naphshecha – anything that your soul desires. Take the financial value of your
tithe, go to this holy place, and enjoy the fruits of your labor – whatever you
like (obviously kosher) – and do it with Me (Hashem).
Hashem gave Adam and Chava dominion over the world and all
that is in it. Hashem gave humankind bechira so that we can choose to have a relationship
with Him, and one of the ways Hashem shows His love to us is through giving us
a physical world with pleasure. We, in return, demonstrate our love and respect
for Hashem by taking those gifts in the manner that best enhances our spiritual
selves.
This week, as we enter the last month of the year – the month
in which we proclaim that Hashem, the King, is “in the field,” nearby and ready
to hear our petitions – let us demonstrate our joy in this relationship by
rejoicing in His full Creation.
Have a good Shabbas.
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