You Are What You Eat—and What You Don’t: Keeping Kosher in the Land of Bacon-Wrapped Everything

Why do I keep kosher? Why do any of us? Why do I keep kosher—and why don’t so many Jews today? In this episode of Torah from Boca, I share a story that says so much about modern Jewish life: a congregant once emailed me outraged that BaconFest was scheduled for Yom Kippur… because he wanted to go. It’s a funny moment—but also a real one. We live in a culture that prizes indulgence and immediate satisfaction. Kashrut offers something radical in response: a spiritual discipline of restraint. In Parashat Shemini, we revisit the kosher laws—not as relics of the past, but as an invitation to a more mindful, ethical, and holy way of living. I reflect on what happens when “because I said so” is God’s reason—and why that might be enough. We explore Adam and Eve’s vegetarianism, Noah’s concessions, the concept of basar ta’avah (meat of craving), and how what we consume shapes not just our bodies, but our souls. This is a deep dive into kashrut—not as a diet, but as a daily practice of connection. 🎙️ Listen, reflect, and share if it speaks to you. Check out my website: www.rabbidavidbaum.com for more Torah From Boca