The Fourth – Sedra / Section, of the Chumash / Book of Deuteronomy continues Moses’ second farewell address to the Jewish people. Moses begins by urging the people to SEE that G-d has given them the choice between a life of blessings or curses; the choice is theirs.
Moses told the Jewish people, “But you must not eat (the following animals),” (14:7)
G-d created everything for a purpose, and it is our task to help each component of creation to fulfil its task. In many cases, we accomplish this by making active use of the item in question – for example, by using it to fulfil some commandment. In other cases however, we accomplish this by avoiding the item in question or not using it. In those cases, we elevate the object by avoiding it.
G-d commands us not to consume non-kosher animals since they originate in the realm of spirituality that is beyond our ability to elevate through eating. In their case, we elevate them by fulfilling G-d’s commandment to abstain from eating them.
On the other hand, these animals can be elevated directly and actively by using them for purposes other than eating. For example, when a donkey or horse transports a person to perform a commandment, it too is infused with holiness.
By utilizing everything in our lives for fulfilling our Divine mission, we sanctify all aspects of reality with which Divine Providence has put us in contact.
Wishing you a meaningful Shabbat followed by a successful week.
With prayers for an everlasting peace for our brothers and sisters in Israel, our IDF soldiers and for the Jewish community worldwide with Moshiach.
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