WE ARE WHAT WE EAT!

BY RABBI YOSEF GOLDMAN, SGOOLAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE, FREDERICTON, NB

This interesting expression is attributed to Hippocrates, however, I believe that Hashem in the Torah already taught this idea through what are known as the Kosher Dietary Laws. I hope to continue this as a series of teachings in future Shalom Magazines.

A little introduction. There is a certain distinction between Mitzvot (commandments) that are between us and our fellow human being; and commandments that are between us and G-d. Last year I learned, to my surprise, that the list of sins that we ask Hashem for forgiveness on Yom Kippur includes only sins that are committed against G-d! The other thing about that list is that it does not include “major” laws such as Shabbat and Passover?! I believe that the entire purpose of the Mitzvot is to come closer to Hashem and our fellow human being. As far as I know, the Kosher Dietary Laws do not affect our relationship with our friends & neighbours.

There is a rather unknown Midrash about the first conversation between G-d and Adam (even before Eve was created...). I believe this is the source for the term Tikkun Olam, and should be studied in the proper context—just for example, it does not include saving the whales when there are hungry & homeless people in our community! The Midrash says (on Ecclesiastes 7:13) that when G-d created Adam, he took him for a walk through the Garden of Eden and showed him the beauty & harmony of the garden, and then said: “behold, see what I have created... pay attention and make sure not to destroy my world” (Kohelet Rabbah 7:13).

Our first discourse will be about the law: “thou shalt not sow your field KILAYIM (mixed seeds)” (Leviticus 19:19). In a different context, the Sages in the Midrash ask: “Why does G-d care...?” (Bereshit Rabbah Vayetze), and the answer is: we don’t know! However, when Hashem told Adam not to destroy & ruin this beautiful world, we may understand this as ruining the harmony in this world. Hashem does not want us to create new plants, however, we are asked by G-d to be active participants in making the world a better place. That’s why Hashem did not create a tree that will produce cookies & other sweet things, but we participate in the creation by baking & making these delicious things. It sounds like a very fine line, but this is how Hashem wanted it.

In conclusion, the word Mitzvah comes from two different sources: a. A line to Hashem (see Isaiah 28:10); and b. From the modern Hebrew word TZEVET—team! So, when we keep a law, especially what’s called a “negative” (thou shalt not) law, we are doing what pleases Hashem, just like a married couple does things for their spouse without asking why (e.g. why does my spouse like a certain chocolate or flower?). Now that we have that context, we will continue to seek what pleases Hashem and we will become better people and more loving Jews!