In the Torah’s introduction to the laws of Kosher it states, “You are children of Hashem your G-d. Do not mutilate yourselves and do not make a bald patch in the middle of your head as a sign of mourning. You are a nation consecrated to Hashem your G-d. G-d has chosen you from all nations on the face of the earth to be His own special nation.”
Rashi explains that when the people of certain nations of the world lose a loved-one or a leader, they scratch themselves inflicting bloody gashes on their body. G-d says, “This is not for you since you are ‘Children of G-d,’ and you are to present yourselves in a dignified and pleasant way.”
This special classification of being “G-d’s children” impacts on what we may consume in our diets. Our diets are tailored to fit G-d’s consecrated nation.
The Torah names ten kosher animals that we are permitted to eat after they are slaughtered, their blood has been extracted, and certain fats are removed. A kosher animal is identified by having true split hooves and that it ruminates its food.
The Torah names 24 non-kosher species of fowl. The Torah instructs us that kosher fish are identified by having fins and scales.
The Torah forbids the cooking of meat together with milk. Once it is cooked it is forbidden to eat or derive benefit from it.
Today, when food particularities and allergies are prevalent, a Jew declaring he is kosher is actually respected and accommodated. In fact, his kosher meal may even be served first while flying on a plane 😊.
A lot of attention is put into the packaging and presentation of an item to generate strong sales.
Promoting Torah and Judaism is no different; when it is presented in a way that speaks to the listener it can go a long way.
I recently came across a beautiful illustration of how to build a child’s appreciation for the fact that he is part of G-d’s distinct legion of being a Jew, and thereby has a higher calling and mission.
Suppose, kids are playing ball and the ball enters a nearby cemetery. One of the kids begins to run to retrieve the ball. Just as he is about to enter the cemetery, his father stops him and tells him, “My son, you are not allowed to enter the cemetery.” The son looks incredulously at his father and says, “why not? This happens often and my friends go inside and bring the ball back.” His father says to him, “But you cannot.” The son asks, “Why am I different from them?” The father explains, “It is not because of any fault that you have. On the contrary, it is because you have a special element that they don’t have. You are a Kohain and you and I have been designated to serve in G-d’s Temple and have been invested with an added level of Kedusha – sanctity – more than others. We are therefore forbidden to enter a cemetery and become impure.”
A conversation like this will not only impress upon the son to keep away from the cemetery, but it will instill within him an appreciation of his unique status and will allow him to accept the restrictions with joy.
Similarly, if a child is told that he is part of an Am Segulah – the nation that G-d treasures more than all other nations, and that we are the descendants of Avraham, Yitzchok and Yaacov, and because of our great standing we have been given laws to abide by, this will certainly instill a feeling of prestige, honor and stature which he will be delighted to be a part of.
This special category that we are labeled “Children of G-d,” gives us a special status and gives us a closer relationship with Hashem. We express it through our responsibilities of Torah and Mitzvos.
Rabbi Yerucham Levovitz o.b.m., a great European ethical mentor would sum up a person’s attitude and mindset as follows: It is not good when one does not know their deficiencies, for then he is unaware of what he needs to address. However, it is a way greater tragedy when one does not know what their potential or capabilities are – for then he does not know what to work with.
Throughout the Book of Devorim, Moshe repeatedly speaks of the great potential, capability and role that each Jew has in terms of his relationship with G-d, the Torah, his family and brethren, society and the land of Israel. Moshe tells us that there is not much that can stand in the way of one’s will and determination to aspire to greater spiritual heights!
