Why Kosher?: An Anthology of Answers

Most Jews are familiar with some of the basics of keeping kosher-no mixing of milk and meat, no pork, no shellfish-but many people, even those who adhere to the laws of kashruth, do not have an understanding of why Jews should eat kosher food today. Although the Bible contains no reason for the dietary laws, over the last three millennia Jewish commentators have sought explanations for kashruth. The sources explored come from ancient Egypt and the Internet, from hasidic stories and the Bible, and from Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist, and non-Jewish individuals. Among the comments expressed are those of Maimonides, Nehama Leibowitz, Cynthia Ozick, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Dennis Prager, Abraham Joshua Heschel, Isaac Bashevis Singer, and Adin Steinsaltz.