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Category: Introduction to Torah

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A Look at the Dietary Laws in the Torah

An oft-misunderstood subject today is that of the dietary laws. What exactly is the Bible talking about when using terminology such as clean and unclean foods? In this article, we examine the biblical definitions of this concept, its use during the time period of both the Tanach and the Brit Chadasha, as well as its practical application for us today. Some of the texts that we will examine in this study include Leviticus chapter 11; Deuteronomy 17:8-13; Mark 7:1-23; and Acts chapter 10. One aim of our study is to define, from the Scriptures, "What is food?" and "What is not food?"

Kosher

In the historical and cultural sense of clean and unclean foods, the word "kosher" stems from the Hebrew root word "kasher" which means, "to be straight, or right;" by implication, it means, "to be acceptable." Today, in modern Hebrew, this word is naturally associated with the dietary requirements, specifically as it relates to food. To "kasher" something is to render it "kosher." But what does the Torah mean by "acceptable" or "non-acceptable"?

In a dialogue between Adonai and Moshe, He establishes the basis of the reason for His required "separation" of His people—that is "holiness as expressed through set apart-ness."

"Here is what you are to say to the household of Ya’akov, to tell the people of Israel; You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you will pay careful attention to what I say and keep my covenant, then you will be my own treasure from among all the peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you will be a kingdom of kohanim [priests] for me, a nation set apart" (Exodus 19:3-6).

The idea of being set apart for the purpose o...

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© 2009 First Fruits of Zion. All rights reserved. We encourage you to share this material with your friends for further personal study. However, This material may not be republished, in print, electronically, or any other form without our prior permission. Adapted from Bikurei Tziyon #63 .

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