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Food is an essential element of human life and a significant subject in Jewish texts. In addition to narratives of eating and cooking in biblical stories, there are many commandments related to food and cooking. These include the laws of what Jews may and may not eat, known as kashrut, the offering of sacrifices, the prohibition against eating chametz, the obligation to eat matzah during Passover, and the separation of terumot and ma'aserot, among others.
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Divine Provision in the Garden of Eden
TANAKH
Food has a place from the outset of the Torah. The book of Genesis describes how, as part of the world's creation, God caused fruit-bearing trees to grow.
The Obligation of Tithing Food
MISHNAH
The Torah commands the separation of tithes on behalf of priests, Levites, the poor, and other purposes. The Mishnah, the first codification of Jewish law from the early third-century land of Israel, expands upon the laws of tithing produce in the land of Israel, specifying which foods need to be tithed.
Manna in the Wilderness
TANAKH
The Israelites' experience with manna in the wilderness highlights their struggle between reliance on divine provision and their physical longing for the varied foods of Egypt. The book of Numbers recounts the Israelites' journey through the desert, including their dissatisfaction with manna and the challenges they faced.
The Bread of Affliction
TANAKH
Eating unleavened bread during Passover serves as a reminder of the Israelites' hasty departure from Egypt. The Torah commands the consumption of unleavened bread for seven days to commemorate the Exodus.
The Corner of the Field
MISHNAH
The Torah commands leaving a corner of one's field for the poor. The Mishnah, the first codification of Jewish law from the early third-century land of Israel, expands on the details of this commandment, outlining the situations in which it applies.
The Justification of Enjoying Food
TALMUD
The Jerusalem Talmud suggests that one must justify not partaking in the pleasures of food, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the world's bounty. This ancient rabbinic text from the land of Israel challenges asceticism by advocating for the enjoyment of food.
The Vigilance of Matzah Preparation
HALAKHAH
The preparation of matzah for Passover requires meticulous care to ensure it does not become chametz. Maimonides' famed 12th-century code of Jewish law, Mishneh Torah, provides detailed instructions on the handling of grain for matzah, emphasizing the prevention of leavening during Passover.
The Divine Feast of Shabbat
KABBALAH
The Shabbat meals are not just about physical nourishment but are deeply connected to divine holiness and faith. The Zohar, a central text of Jewish mysticism, reveals the spiritual significance and joy inherent in the Shabbat meals.
The Complexity of Food Vows
TALMUD
Understanding the nuances of vows related to cooked foods can reveal the complexity and depth of Jewish legal thought. The talmudic tractate Nedarim explores the intricate distinctions in vows, considering local linguistic variations and specific food preparations.
Joseph's Foresight in Times of Famine
MIDRASH
Joseph's wisdom in storing and protecting food during the famine ensured the survival of his family and the Egyptians. Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, an eighth-century midrashic work, elaborates on Joseph's role in providing sustenance during the famine, highlighting his strategic foresight.
Sanctifying Pleasure in Judaism
COMMENTARY
Judaism uniquely sanctifies pleasure, integrating food, drink, and other joys into religious life through laws and blessings. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, in his 21st-century work, explores how can be found in the material world.
Eating Meat After the Flood
COMMENTARY
In the Torah, humans are only given permission to eat meat after Noah and his family survive the flood. Rabbeinu Bachya, a medieval commentator, explores this shift.
Signs of Kosher Fish and Animals
MISHNAH
Jewish dietary laws are specific about which fish and animals are permissible to eat, based on physical characteristics. The Mishnah, an early third-century codification of Jewish law, details the signs that indicate which fish and animals are kosher, such as fins and scales for fish, and cloven hooves and cud-chewing for animals.
The Divine Breath in Our Sustenance
KABBALAH
The connection between spiritual and physical sustenance is essential for understanding how divine energy sustains all life. In Derech Etz Chayim, Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto explores the divine life force that enlivens the food necessary for human existence.
Good Omens for the New Year
LITURGY
The symbolic foods and rituals on the first night of Rosh Hashanah are meant to serve as good omens for the coming new year. This text describes the customs of dipping challah and apples in honey, eating the head of an animal, and consuming vegetables with names that convey good fortune.
Abraham's Exemplary Hospitality
TANAKH
Abraham's act of hospitality towards three visitors sets an example of generosity and kindness. The book of Genesis recounts how Abraham served food to his guests and waited on them under the tree.
Compassion in Ritual Slaughter
REFERENCE
The Jewish method of ritual slaughter is designed to minimize the suffering of animals. Gershom Bader's early 20th-century work explores the humane approach to animal slaughter in Jewish law, highlighting its alignment with the Torah's commandments to promote mercy.
Cooking Pot from Frankfurt 1579/80, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Heller, The Jewish Museum, New York.
Cooking Pot from Frankfurt 1579/80, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Heller, The Jewish Museum, New York.
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