Judaism: defined in One Word

[Henaynei]

One Word
(this series of articles was presented by Adiel BatKelev in a monthly publication)


What if I asked you to define Judaism in one word? What word would you choose?

Perhaps you would laugh and say such a definition is impossible, that like the question of “who is a Jew,” such a concept as “what is Judaism” is too complex to be defined in only one word.

Certainly Shammi thought it impertinent to consider reducing Judaism to some simple definition, but then, Hallel did not.

I contend that not only is it possible, but that to do so will increase our understanding of what it means to “love the L-rd your G-d with all your heart, soul and strength..”

What would that one word be? Separation. Or, in two words, Set aside, or Set Apart. Everything in Torah, all of G-d’s instruction, yes, even in the Brit Chadasha, is about Separation. And Yeshua said, “if you love me, obey my Commandments (Instruction, Torah).”

From “I have chosen you,” to “you are in the world but not of the world,”

G-d has commanded us to be separate. From “come out of Ur” to Mount Sinai G-d has given us His instructions on HOW to separate ourselves.

And this is the prickle. We don’t WANT to be separate. We don’t want to be different, to stick out, to be pointed at when we walk down the street, to be excluded from this group or that because of how we look or act. We may think that it is wrong to separate ourselves from the community around us, even dangerous. I have heard it said that separation is wrong because it would “keep us from fellowshipping with others.”

But what is it that G-d wants from us? Well, what does He tell us? Every commandment He has given us in Torah is one that is designed to separate/sanctify us unto Himself, to make us Holy, separated and clean for service. These commandments leave no area of our lives untouched, from what we eat to how and when we engage in the bodily union between man and woman. We are called to be different, we are called to obey, we are called to stick out!!

In following articles I intend to discuss why and how. So, if you are willing, gird up your loins and grab your staff and journey with me as we walk on Holy ground before a Holy G-d.

 

[Henaynei]

Kashrut1, 2
the fundamental way of a Public and Personal Separation unto His Service

I have noticed, as I have joined fellow travelers on the Road of Growth in Messianic Judaism, that there seems to be a general pattern to the when and how G-d introduces, to those of us who express a desire to become Messianic, the path of obedience and separation. These understandings are often separated by some time, giving us the room to stretch, accommodate our new role and tasks, and our new level of Trust in Him.

There are many questions and understandings G-d walks us through over the years as we seek to grow in our relationship to the Messiah. Some grow more easily in one area, some in another. But, that which does not grow dies.

Quite often the question of “What do I eat?” comes first and is usually initially answered in the simplest of ways, i.e., what one might call the “beginners level” of Kashrut : no pork and no shellfish. The second question, often quickly on the heels of the first, is “What about the Sabbath?” But we will here deal only with Question #1. Question #1 is usually repeated several times as we grow in our separation unto mature servanthood, some times years elapse between the acquisition of one understanding and the next.

Allow me to say at the outset that “works,” obedience or observance is Not and Never will be the road, tool or vehicle to salvation or righteousness, G-d Forbid! Not with Kashrut or any other mitzvah 3!

What observance of G-d’s commands can measure is the level of one’s desire to obey G-d, to deliberately choose to be grow internally and externally in Holiness/Sanctification/Separation, identified as a servant of HaShem and a member of His servant people.

The first time we’re asked, “What do I eat?” the understanding we encounter is the question to eat or not to eat the meat of forbidden animals. This very fundamental change in our thinking about what goes in our mouths takes time, and, often, several false starts and sometimes painful encounters with others for whom your obedience is seen as a challenge to their relationship to G-d. Not infrequently, keeping kosher is labeled as elitism and as trying to be “holier than thou” by those who don’t understand, or are resisting the question in their life. While it is true that we are not to be a stumbling block to our brothers, remember that the “Two Great Commandments” run thus: “Love the L-rd ….., love your neighbor.” We are to love and obey G-d as our primary responsibility. All else is secondary, period.

The second time we’re asked, “What do I eat?” the understanding of Kashrut that we encounter, as we stretch ourselves to learn more about obeying G-d, is about whether or not how the meat is slaughtered is an issue. This is a deeper separation and requires another level of sacrifice on our part. However, honestly the question is usually less “how the meat is slaughtered,” for the scriptures and our tradition answer that question, and more “how much Kosher meat costs” and whether one is willing to markedly decrease their meat intake to accommodate the cost increase.

It is true, Kosher meat is quite a bit more expensive than USDA meats. It has to be. The inspection and handling to which Kosher meat is subjected is much more stringent than USDA, and as such fewer animals pass the Shokhet’s4 inspection. Many persons have said to me, “G-d understands, I just can’t afford Kosher meat, when He gives me more money, I will be happy to eat Kosher.” While this is not the case for everyone, how sad a commentary on our relationship to G-d for those of us for whom it is?? Instead of praying for more money, why should we not rather pray for the commitment and wisdom on how to decrease our weekly meat menu to include only the kosher meat we can afford, and for how to replace the volume of meat we used to have with healthier foods, more beans and grains, more nuts and dairy?? In Israel many, many families eat meat only on Shabbat. What they eat the rest of the week is a preponderance of salads, fruits and other non-meat dishes. And they are the healthier for it! One is likely to find much less over weight in those families. G-d truly blesses those who look for ways to obey Him, in contrast to those who look for “good” reasons why they can’t obey Him.

The third and final time we are asked, “What do I eat?” the understanding is about still another level of separation: milk from meat. This is, again, a deeper level of separation. And again, cost and convenience are issues. Starting with the second understanding, but culminating in this third understanding is the cessation of eating out. This becomes especially true in communities in which there is, as yet, no Kosher eatery. Also additional costs are incurred as one realizes they will need separate (that word again!) sets of cooking ware and special or separate dishes, cutlery and glassware. It all is a process of growth and discovery. This is a challenging journey but one of learning both trusting obedience and humility.

So, again the saying is true. We are what we eat, or rather how we eat. Do we submit even our intake of food as one Kosher, as one fit for service, as one separated by our obedience and sanctified as a servant of G-d? Are we truly seeking to be Holy by His standards?

_____________________________

1 keeping Kosher

2 Kosher = fit for use

3 commandment

4 Shokhet – a Jewish person trained in the laws and methods of inspecting, preparing and storing kosher

meats.

 

[SeekingTorah]

Henaynei,

I find your post regarding Kashrut such a timely topic—for I am one that is between steps 2 and 3. Here are my thoughts and experience- not in any order as you will read .

There was a period of time where we ate vegetarian/parve meals as I studied what we were to eat. Many days of eggs and pancakes or kosher fish and salad for dinner—no meat at all in the house—least it tempt us.

We do not eat much dairy except butter—some cheese, but not daily. Therefore, the mixing of dairy and meat was never really an issue for us. Looking to the Shepardi Jews for culinary assistance has been a blessing. Many of our favorite dishes are presented with wonderful spice combinations and small amounts of meat if any.

We are ever so slowly as funds allow, changing our kitchen over. We own three sets of dishes—dairy/parve/fish, meat and Pesach. At first, one thinks Okay- I will not eat meat and dairy together—but there is more to it than a proclamation. One cannot go halfway—it is all or nothing in my opinion.

We gave away pots and pans, dishes, and electronic appliances. We purchased two of items such as crock-pots, etc. We use a toaster oven for dairy/soy type dishes only. Spending this money did not leave much for extras like meat! We have gone a step further and have eliminated most processed (man-made) foods from our diet. Eating out is far and in between. When we go to the kosher stores (50+ miles one way)—we pick up a few deli items, veggie pizza, take out dishes, etc, bring home and freeze. We eat out while there as well. When we go to “town” we GO to town.

Using separate plates, utensils, etc was a welcomed addition as the process alone hit home why we separate these foods—and why we are considered—set-apart by others who do not follow MJ/Judaism. I do not know if we separate ourselves or if our actions, beliefs and convictions separate others from us… I have no issue with inviting my Christian friends and relatives over for dinner or Shabbat—they on the other hand find our ways odd and legalistic and “Holier than Thou” as one cousin deemed us.

Kashrut obedience is easy for the children to explain to friends, but impossible for these friends to grasp. My children do not complain—it has been life for them for so long—they know no other way (Biblically kosher and now rabbinical). My children cannot eat the food at birthday parties or accept invitations to lunch and or dinner from friends. They have to be conscious to what is given to them even if wrapped. Some people have a heart of gold. They will attempt to honor our ways by cooking and serving “clean” foods—including meat mixed with dairy. Nevertheless, as my son stated one day,

“The thought of what was on those plates and in those pans in the past makes my stomach turn.” My son even wrote an essay on unclean and clean eating/foods and its relationship to clean (Torah) and unclean (sin) choices in life.

My children and I have seen many correlations between being hallachally (is their such a word) kosher and our observance and adherence to Torah. Y’shua leads us to truth (Torah/Talmud) and truth (Torah/Talmud) leads us to joyful obedience—conviction and willingness to please HaShem.

Shalom,
Yasmine

 

[Henaynei]

How delighted I am to read your story (oh, dear, now we have *2* ST's!!) Seeking!! How well you express both the journey and the function of seperation to obedience and sercvice to a Holy G-d!!

 

[JewishHeart]

Judaism in one word - Messiah

 

[Henaynei]

Judaism in one word - Messiah

I'm sorry, I can't agree - the church has that word, and person, if you will, and they eschew Judaism.

G-d IS. But Judaism is how HE has said we are to seperate ourselves in order to be fit for His service. It is the HOW of the sanctification that HE proscribed for those who follow Him.

Gentile Christianity, having a form but denying the power of the truth, has created many "paths" to "sanctification." G-d has created one. It is uncomfortable and not easy at times, it makes us targets and loners, especially with the MJ community so widely spread. But none of that is reason to reject His instruction

 

[Hix]

LOL JewishHeart, thats a good one! Youd almost get the impression you think messiah is more important and central to Judaism than HaShem.

 

[Sephania]

Henaynei, could you make your 1st post a little bigger? I can't read it, it's micro-sized.

Toda!

 

[Henaynei]

Henaynei, could you make your 1st post a little bigger? I can't read it, it's micro-sized.

Toda!

You speak, oh blessed one, and I comply!!!

 

[Hix]

Ack darn, JUST after I bought those new ultra-strong lensed glasses to read it with

 

[Henaynei]

Ack darn, JUST after I bought those new ultra-strong lensed glasses to read it with

May all your children be born bald and toothless!!

 

[ShirChadash]

ROFLOL!

 

[Sephania]

Thanks Henaynei! Now I could read the one word, I failed, I was thinking "set"apart" but it was two words, would Kosher count?

 

[ShirChadash]

Okay this may not go over so well, but my thought on it? Judaism defined in



















One



Word.
All of it.

 

[Sephania]

I like that Z!

 

[Henaynei]

Thanks Henaynei! Now I could read the one word, I failed, I was thinking "set"apart" but it was two words, would Kosher count?

I'm sorry - but I don't understand the question - please clarify.

been taking too many temps, salving too many bug bites, assessing too many head injuries and dealing wit too many temper tantrums today - my brain is mush!! LOL

 

[Sephania]

Sorry, that is kinda mushed up! What I was trying to say is that I got to read the first piece and to find out what the definition was "separation" but my thought was "Set apart" which is two words. Same meaning though. So I also thought of another word that "could" be used and was asking you what you thought about it.

Kosher which means by my understanding "fit" as in "fit to eat" when referring to food but it also surrounds daily life in being set apart by following Torah which makes us "fit" for HaShem.

 

[Henaynei]

Sorry, that is kinda mushed up! What I was trying to say is that I got to read the first piece and to find out what the definition was "separation" but my thought was "Set apart" which is two words. Same meaning though. So I also thought of another word that "could" be used and was asking you what you thought about it.

Kosher which means by my understanding "fit" as in "fit to eat" when referring to food but it also surrounds daily life in being set apart by following Torah which makes us "fit" for HaShem.

 

[Henaynei]

Written after the month of Elul:

We have just come through the season of T’shuvah. T’shuvah means “return.” To what were we called to return?



Are we called to return to remembering G-d as we go through our days? Are we called to return to a vibrant relationship with G-d? Are we called “back to our first love?”



Let us consider:

Is thinking of G-d during the day truly remembering” Him?

How do we attain and maintain a vibrant relationship with Him?

What was our first love and how do we show our love?



When scripture mentions “remembering” it usually states it in conjunction with “observe,” “obey” and “keep.”

When the Word speaks of a relationship with G-d does it not include “knowing” and “keeping?”

When G-d speaks of love, either of Him or of others, is it not often connected or defined by “keeping” or “obeying?”



And when HaShem speaks of “knowing,” “keeping,” “observing, ”obeying,” and “remembering” to what is He referring? Without fail He is referring to and directing us toward the instructions of Torah. “If you love Me, obey My commandments.”



Manipulate semantics, if you must, until the words become pretzels and divide His Complete Word into “Old” and “New.” G-d still only had One set of Commandments when He made that statement.



We are called to “come away” and be with Him. We are called to be separate from “this world,” not conformed to it. We are beseeched to seek transformation by the renewal of our minds. If we are not conformed to this world to what are we to be conformed? The Kingdom of HaShem and His ‘constitution,” Torah.



May your journey of T’shuvah lead you to return to the G-d of Torah and the Torah of G-d.

 

[Sephania]

Amen!