Ep. 23: Should We Keep Kosher?

What do kosher hot dogs, mummified chickens, and a mall food court have in common? In this surprisingly candid and humorous episode of "In Such a Time: Conversations on Jewish Life, Leadership and Meaning," hosts Rabbi Leora Londy and Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe dig deep into the intricacies—and idiosyncrasies—of kashrut, the Jewish dietary laws.From Kalua pig at Hawaiian bat mitzvahs to high-priced Passover pizzas at the American Dream Mall, they explore how keeping kosher shapes identity, creates community, and offers spiritual meaning, even amidst the chaos of modern life. Along the way, you'll hear about their personal journeys: why Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe draws the moral line at mammals, how Rabbi Leora Londy navigates diner omelets and chicken nuggets for her kids, and why the "cold dairy" salad might be the most Jewish lunch order of all.Their thoughtful conversation reveals why the rules of kashrut go far beyond food—they’re about humility, boundary, mindfulness, and authentic connection, whether you're buying groceries in Spring Valley, arguing for kosher kitchen standards at synagogue, or pondering why a Tel Aviv restaurant offers shrimp… on matzah.Key highlights include:The origins and evolving purpose of kashrut, from biblical times to the modern Reform movementHow keeping kosher connects Jews to their community, tradition, and everyday spiritualityEthical conundrums, arbitrary boundaries, and the challenges of kosher dining in Israel vs the diasporaJoyful and sometimes absurd stories from kosher supermarkets, food courts, and childhood science experimentsRecommendations for local kosher eateries and why the kosher scene is changing (spoiler: less sushi!)How kashrut teaches patience, humility, and the value of not always getting what you wantEpisode Overview[00:00:00] Welcome and intro to Jewish life, leadership, and meaning[00:00:20] Exploring kashrut: definitions, personal journeys, and ethical lines[00:05:07] What the Torah says (and doesn’t say) about kosher laws[00:08:08] How kashrut fosters Jewish identity and community[00:10:43] Reform Judaism’s evolving stance on “kitchen Judaism”[00:14:02] Supermarket stories, communal moments, and kosher pride[00:15:41] Mall food court sociology and kosher eating in public spaces[00:20:02] The reality of keeping kosher in Israel versus the diaspora[00:26:03] Arbitrary rules, cold dairy jargon, and childhood dietary dilemmas[00:29:11] Boundaries, humility, and teaching kids about kosher values[00:32:07] Connecting to ancestral diets, biblical vegetarianism, and mummified chickens[00:37:57] Favorite kosher restaurants, markets, and new trends in kosher dining[00:43:17] Wrap-up: kosher salt trivia and closing thoughtsFor anyone curious about what it truly means to keep kosher—or looking for some great foodie tips!—this episode is both enlightening and entertaining.