First let me start from the end of Jacob's post: it is always good to hear
that someone is trying to keep more mitzvot. Asking sincere questions to
help come to a full appreciation of Judaism is an integral part of an
honest search.
A) Jacob writes that he wishes that the rabbonim (rabbis) would take his
suggestions under consideration. How does he know that they didn't and that
they decided to disagree?? Isn't it preferable to assume until proven
otherwise that they did - and disagreed. (I am not saying not to question.
By all means ask how and why; my point refers to the attitude of assuming
that the rabbonim would surely have thought differently if only they would
have thought of such and such. Such a degree of self-confidence is
unwarranted.)
B) In his point number (1) Jacob writes in reference to the prohibition
against mixing meat and milk that the rabbonim "could have just as easily
decided that it only applies to goats". Not exactly - the rabbonim had no
such latitude. The interpretation of the verse to include cows milk is an
integral part of our Oral Tradition and dates back to Mount Sinai. There
are numerous verses that can be read literally in one manner, but our Oral
Tradition explains the correct meaning. (The classic example is the famous
"eye for an eye..." verses which were never understood literally by the
Oral Tradition.) This is more easily understood when one takes into
consideration that the Oral Tradition has the same author as the Written
Torah - Hashem.
C) Concerning points number (2) and (3) - the issue of chicken in milk is
that it will be confused with _meat_ in milk and someone may think that
meat may be cooked with milk. The fact that chickens do not lactate
obviously does not alleviate this concern. For further explanation see the
commentaries to Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah 87.
E) From number (4) until the end of the post Jacob raises a very important
issue which must be properly understood in order to be able to feel
comfortable within halachic Judaism. If I can rephrase in my own words -
How can one appreciate and find spiritual meaning in the laws which are
clearly rabbinic in origin?
In the classic Jewish tradition of answering a question with a question,
let's ask - Why should we listen to rabbonim? Who gave them authority? The
answer is that the Torah itself teaches us in Deuteronomy 17:11 that the
Sages have the authority to enact binding legislation. As Jacob pointed out
though, one may not add new commandments to the Torah. To balance these
ideas, the rabbonim distinguish between Biblical and Rabbinical
commandments in a significant manner (for further explanation please see
Rambam Mamrim 2:9 and also Ramban on Deuteronomy 4:2, both of whom make a
specific reference to the verse Jacob cited).
Acceptance that Rabbinical decrees are made under Divine approval helps one
find and appreciate part of their inner meaning and significance. Through
listening to the Sages one is simultaneously listening to Hashem who told
us to listen to the Sages. In this respect it is as much a fulfillment of
the Divine Will to eat kosher as it is to follow a rabbinic decree. (space
considerations don't allow me to elaborate or present alternative ideas,
but this is a good concept to start with for now)
Specifically in regard to Rabbinic fences though, it should be pointed out
that Leviticus 18:30 obligates such action. Through such protective
legislation one lessens the possibilty of transgressing a mitvah and
demonstrates a serious desire to ensure that one does not transgress the
Divine Will.
For a more detailed explanation and a wealth of references from the
classical texts specifically concerning Rabbinic authority, a good place to
start is Chapter 11 of Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan's Handbook of Jewish Thought,
vol. 1.
Uri Portal