Voices of WRJ: Parashat Sh'mini

by Annice Benamy Parashat Sh'mini describes the laws of Kashrut (set of Jewish dietary laws) and ritual purity. This parashah specifically examines the role of women as it is the responsibility of the people, which is largely carried out by women, to observe these laws. In Leviticus 11:1-23, we are presented with a list of foods that we are and are not allowed to eat. The Torah permits the eating of animals with cloven hoofs that chew the cud, fish with fins and scales, and 24 types of fowl, but forbids the eating of creepy things, foods contaminated by contact with prohibited animals, carcasses, or decomposed foods. Ultimately, the key word in the parashah is k’dosh (holiness) as we are to eat animals that are pure and this is a diet for purity and holiness for our body and soul. Historically, the Reform rabbis at the 1885 Pittsburgh Conference rejected traditional Kashrut stating, “...today we accept as binding only its moral laws, and maintain only such ceremonies as elevate and sanctify our lives, but reject all such as are not adapted to the views and habits of modern civilization ("The Sacred Table: Creating a Jewish Food Ethic" by Mary L. Zamore, page 54).” By the 1999 Pittsburgh Conference, the rabbis of the Reform movement decided that “some of us may observe practices of Kashrut, to extend the sense of k’dushah into the acts surrounding food and into a concern for the way food is raised and brought to our tables (page 55).” And in The Torah: A Woman's Commentary, we are provided with five categories of purpose for Kashrut: separating ourselves from our non-Jewish neighbors; promoting human hygiene; developing a discipline by which Israel can consecrate itself to God; identifying with the feelings of animals and inspire hesitation about eating meat, and the one I find special meaning with, developing a life of holiness and wholeness. I first learned about Kashrut when I attended religious school at Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple in Cleveland, OH. To be honest, I did not think much of it because my family kept kosher-style and that was fine for us. I believed in the Reform movement way: learn about the ritual and then choose my level of comfort with it. In 1977, when I attended URJ Kutz Camp in Warwick, NY, I learned more about Kashrut because the camp kept (and still keeps) kosher-style, and my group, Torah Corps, learned and studied the dietary laws. During my first marriage, I decided to maintain a Kosher home with three sets of dishes (including one for Pesach) and utensils, two sets of pots and pans, and separate foods. By my second marriage, my choice was to keep Pesach Kashrut, but the home would be kosher-style because of the expense. As a Reform Jew, I believe I am comfortable with my Kashrut choices because I learned and studied the Jewish tradition for guidance. I find a sense of spirituality and meaning in the little bit of tradition I am able to follow because of the knowledge I gained. Women were responsible for preparing the food in Ancient Israel therefore, they were responsible for applying the laws of Kashrut. Now, the women of WRJ, the women of sisterhoods organize and sponsor onegs, Shabbat and holiday dinners, and other events requiring food. These hard-working women deserve our gratitude and respect for taking on this important part of synagogue life, just like in ancient Israel. Annice Benamy is a WRJ Board member, WRJ Atlantic District Vice President of Development and Special Projects, and a member of Temple Sinai of Bergen County Sisterhood in Tenafly, NJ.