In parasha Shemini, the laws regarding Kashrut are introduced in the sixth Aliyah. As I began to study the reading for Friday, the night before as usual, I noticed that seemed hesitant. As I reflected upon this, I began to recall my early experiences with kashrut. I grew up in a Jewish Conservative household; although, my parents did not begin to keep kosher until I was approaching bar-Mitzvah age.
What this meant for me in practical terms was no more Oreo cookies or ice-cream sandwiches. Yet, I secretly hid a package of Oreos in my room underneath my bed; and, I ensconced a box of ice-cream sandwiches at the bottom of the freezer. It is over forty years since those deceitful escapades on my part; why should I all of a sudden be having cravings as I begin to study the laws of Kashrut as outlined in the parasha?
On October 21st of 2023, a little more than five months ago, I stopped drinking wine or any other kind of alcoholic beverage. I did so, even though I only ever drank wine for Shabbos and Yom Tov, and on a rare occasion a little schnapps on Shabbos, like every 2-3 months. Yet, now, is my yetzer hara turning me toward craving unkosher sweets? I’ve heard that it’s important to do layer upon layer of teshuvah, going more in-depth in order to make an earnest return to HaShem; however, I never expected this challenge. Perhaps, it’s part of the overall refinement of my soul.
Neither Oreos, nor unkosher ice-cream sandwiches have the potential to promote spiritual growth. On the contrary, treif is a detriment to the Jewish soul, lessening the spiritual receptivity of the soul to the divine. No doubt, Oreos and ice-cream sandwiches were the least of my sins as a youth; yet, their insidious properties, i.e., in the form of lard may have been quietly taking their toll upon my acuity toward Yiddishkeit. After abstaining all these years, I must continue to do so.
The Tree of Life 