Why do we do it?

By Nichole Hellman
University of Arizona

Double-decker bacon cheeseburgers, pepperoni pizzas with extra cheese, sausage patty egg McMuffins … Aside from the incredible fat content of these greasy delights, why do we deprive ourselves of such manmade luxuries? There is halakhah (Jewish law), of course, but can these laws be the only things stopping us from eating some pig every once in a while? There must be something more. After talking with several Kosher-keeping friends, I discovered that everyone seems to have their own reasoning for keeping Kosher. I received some of the "because I am Jewish" answers, a few "because I grew up that way" and various answers relating to halakhah or a connection to Judaism. I strongly believe that if you are going to make the decision to change your everyday dietary habits by keeping Kosher, it is important to reflect on your personal motivations and not rely fully on the reasons of others.

Although I have never tasted any of the American classics listed above, I did not fully commit myself to keeping Kosher until about a year ago. As a young girl, I instead chose to abstain from eating any form of pig, while still enjoying an occasional Burger King meal or chicken alfredo pasta. At the time, why did I choose to still slightly limit my dietary habits? I suppose it was because it made me feel a little more "Jewish," while still having the convenience of eating at a restaurant or in the un-Kosher home in which I grew up.

However, after making my first journey to Israel with Taglit-birthright israel: KOACH, I began to crave more of a connection to my Jewish roots. Back in the States, I had a difficult time transitioning to a Kosher lifestyle, especially surrounded by a very un-Kosher community in Arizona. However, spending the summer with my Kosher-keeping boyfriend was the perfect push into the next level of kashrut.

Now that I have reached the magical land of Kosherness, I find it important to reflect and remind myself of why I choose to maintain a Kosher lifestyle. Unlike many, I did not grow up in a Kosher household, nor was I originally taught the halakhic value of kashrut. I suppose part of my reasoning is that I enjoy the connection that I feel with generations of people every time I stop and think about what I am eating. Being a part of this tradition not only allows me to connect to Jewish people around the world, but it also provides me with a personal connection to Judaism.

No matter what level of kashrut you choose to observe, take some time to reflect on why you choose to do so. The answer may be very simple, but perhaps it will provide an interesting thought before you bite into your next brisket.

Nichole Hellman is a senior at the University of Arizona where she is finishing her degree in Music Education. Lately, her daily routine consists of going back and forth between student teaching at a local high school and teaching tefillah (prayer) at a local synagogue. Nichole looks forward to graduation in May.

[Posted 4/6/08]