Re: Are turkeys kosher?
wensef (wensef@stc.net)
Tue, 23 Sep 1997 20:37:05 -0400
In regards to the debate over whether or not turkey is or isn't kosher, it
appears that we should be contemplating Torah, not the fences. When the
supermarkets are full of turkey bacon, non-dairy creamers, and kosher
imitation bacon bits, we must focus on what is real and permanant. G-d
instructs us not to boil a kid in its mother's milk and not to eat the meat
of an animal with cloven hooves that does not chew the cud. By following
these and other mitzvot, we make the common meal a sacred event. These
divine limitations remind us of who we are, and that G-d sustains us
despite the limitations. We are then set apart from animals by being able
to control and moderate hunger. By disciplining ourselves in this way, we
condition ourselves to limit and control our "hunger" for other things
physical, things which could lead to spiritual and physical harm.
Interpretations of Torah are there to help the observant in fulfilling the
mitvot, and while they may be enjoyable to debate and scrutinize, their
importance to our tradition cannot be denied. If someone is looking to
find loopholes, they will find them if they look hard enough. And what have
they gained?
Steve Fairchild