Why Keep Kosher?
There are lots of great reasons to choose a kosher lifestyle!
Health
Kashrut is a really healthy approach to eating for several reasons:
Kashrut prevents us from eating too many animal products at once
By not mixing meat and milk at the same time, we are indirectly able to lower our intake of animal products and thus lower our cholesterol, which only comes from eating foods containing animal products.
It encourages eating more fruits, vegetables and grains
Because of the limitations on meat and dairy eating, the easiest way to keep kosher is to eat a lot of vegetarian, dairy-vegetarian and pescatarian (vegetarian with fish) meals, which includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds.
Eliminating “fast food” from your diet
Since major fast food chains are not kosher, you are taking yourself out of the cycle of pain caused by eating unhealthy convenience food.
Other fringe benefits to our health from kosher eating
Although it’s “healthier” to eat one slice of pork than a handful of kosher certified candy, many un-kosher animals have high levels of cholesterol (such as shellfish) and un-kosher eating practices like eating blood can carry diseases.
Ethical & Environmental Eating
Kosher laws come from the ancient wisdom of the Jewish people called the Torah. The Torah prohibits many things that, in turn, make purchasing kosher foods more ethical including:
Making sure that workers are treated fairly (Leviticus 19:13, Deuteronomy 24:14)
Treating animals with respect (Exodus 23:12)
In addition, the Torah has environmental values such as being “stewards of the Earth” (Genesis 2:15). By purchasing sustainable kosher food, you are helping the world and feeding your stomach.
Creating Community
By living a kosher life, you are joining a community. Keeping kosher will move you to seek out kosher restaurants, hotels and grocery stores where you will meet people who share in your lifestyle.
It’s also fun to introduce people to the kosher life! Consider having a kosher dinner party or taking a group of friends/family member to a kosher establishment.
Mystical
Kashrut is the food science of the soul. With thoughtfulness, limitation and community as central tenants of the kosher life, you may find yourself become more aware of yourself and your connection to the God, the Universe, or whatever you would like to call the central life force.
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