Why Keep Kosher or the Biblical Dietary Laws?

The Hebrew word, "kosher" means "clean" or "fit" for consumption by

G-d's holy people.  The Hebrew word "kashrut" has to do with kosher practice and the process of keeping kosher.  The context of the primary passage on kashrut, Vayikra(Leviticus) 11, has to do with being a holy people, set apart from other nations and peoples.  In Vayikra (Leviticus) 11:45, "Therefore be holy, for I am holy."  This scripture describes what is and is not kosher.

Observance of the dietary mitzvot (commandments) is more than just following rules of diet.  The main motivation is Biblical obedience out of grace and living holy lives before Hashem.  Vayikra 11 and D'varim 14 clearly speak about what is clean and unclean.  Acts 10:1-35 and Acts 11:1-24 are often misinterpreted.  The main point being made in the B'rit Chadasha, the New Covenant of Scripture, is that Jew and Gentile are one in Messiah.  The Gentile should no longer be considered unclean in Yeshua.  Shimon's(Peter's) vision is interpreted for us in the text as not referring to clean and unclean food but rather a visual example of unity referring to Gentiles.  We must remember that this was a vision, not a literal command to kill and eat what was unclean.  The point was to remove the impression the Gentile believer was unfit.

Biblical kosher pertains to the keeping of the dietary laws found in Scripture.  Neither Yeshua nor the Second Covenant reverses or changes the dietary standards found in Torah.  Mark 7:5-23 also is often misinterpreted.  Yeshua and His followers were considered observant and were not being accused of violating the dietary laws.  Yeshua's statement in this passage was in response to the tradition of ceremonial hand washing.  The ceremonial hand washing is still observed today, and is special, but when there is legalism attached to it, wrong attitude is added. Yeshua emphasized the importance of what comes out of a man (i.e. religiousity, self-righteousness, etc.) and pointed out the hypocrisy, which was the real unclean.

"Rabbinic Kosher" is related to the standards and qualifications interpreted by the rabbis from the Talmud and the Scriptures.  This would include the separation of meat and dairy, and also includes the distinction of Passover requirements. Rabbinic kosher is the way of life in a kosher home and kitchen.  Adherence to rabbinic standards would also include areas outside of Biblical interpretation.  There are Messianic Jews who choose to live a rabbinic kosher lifestyle.  For some it is because of a desire to remain within the culture in which they were raised.  For others, to connect with a part of Jewish living which they were not brought up with.  This connects them with other families who also keep Rabbinic Kosher kitchens and homes, and is an accepted part of Messianic Judaism.   This way of life requires a unique discipline and if followed should be done out of grace and liberty.

"Biblical Kosher" refers to maintaining a Biblical diet.  This is in keeping with the Dietary Laws found in the Torah.  These commandments include refraining from eating those things which are clearly forbidden and called unclean (i.e. pork, shellfish, scavenger animals, etc.) and forbids the eating and drinking of blood.  These Dietary Laws are recognized in various forms of Judaism, although not always practiced.  The Scriptures define what is food and what is not food. 

We at Lev HaShem have determined the standard of Kashrut to be kept officially by the congregation in its Jewish Congregational environment.  That standard is defined within the guidelines of the Biblical Dietary Laws in Leviticus 11: 1-47.  The Spiritual Leader and Elders recognize that Rabbinical Kosher is extra biblical, but it does not violate holy standards.  In fact, it raises the standard!  It is a primary concern in our congregational environment that we maintain and abide by the Biblical commandments and practice being Torah Respectful.  In our congregational environment we have chosen not to mix meat and dairy products so as to remain connected with our Jewish people and allow anyone Jewish to feel comfortable in the partaking of our meals.