Why Kosher Matters: How Food Shapes Your Soul

Keeping kosher isn’t only about what’s on our plate, it’s deeply connected to our soul. Jewish tradition teaches that the food we eat shapes our spiritual clarity, emotional balance, and even physical health. Here are five powerful reasons why the Torah gives us the gift of kashrut.

1. A Blocked Heart: How Non-Kosher Food Affects Our Soul

This isn’t just about being “unfeeling.” The Torah warns that eating food not allowed by halachah (Jewish law) can block our ability to feel close to Hashem.

The Torah says:
“All the swarming things that swarm upon the earth are detestable; they shall not be eaten... Do not defile yourselves with any swarming thing that crawls, and do not become impure through them... For I am Hashem your God, you shall sanctify yourselves and be holy, for I am holy.” (Vayikra/Leviticus 11:41–44)

Rabbeinu Bachya, a well-known commentator, points out something subtle in the Hebrew. The word for “impure” is missing a letter, which hints that eating forbidden foods doesn’t just make us impure, it actually “blocks” the heart from feeling Hashem’s presence.

The Talmud teaches this, too:
“Sin blocks a person’s heart, as it says, ‘Do not defile yourselves with them and become impure.’ Don’t read it as becoming ‘impure,’ but as becoming ‘blocked.’” (Yoma 39a)

Eating non-kosher food closes our spiritual senses. It becomes harder to feel inspired by Torah, to pray with a full heart, or to connect to mitzvot (commandments) in a meaningful way.

The Ramchal (Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto) writes in his book Mesillat Yesharim (The Path of the Just) that non-kosher food is like poison:

“Anyone with a brain in his head should consider forbidden foods like poisonous foods or food mixed with something toxic... Forbidden food is literally poison to the heart and soul.”

2. Distorted Thinking: Kashrut and Our Spiritual Mindset

Kashrut affects not only the heart but also the mind. The Ramchal teaches that eating non-kosher food can cloud our judgment and dull our spiritual understanding.

He explains that forbidden food pushes away Hashem’s holiness, distancing us from the wisdom that helps us live meaningful lives.

Quoting the same Talmudic verse, he says:
“Transgression removes the true knowledge and spirit of wisdom that God gives to the pious.”

In simple words: what we eat can either strengthen or weaken our spiritual awareness.

3. Food Shapes Character: We Become What We Eat

The Sages teach that food doesn’t just nourish our body but it becomes part of who we are. The character traits of the animals we eat can influence our own nature.

This is why kosher animals are generally non-predatory. The Ramban (Nachmanides) writes:

“All forbidden birds are predatory... and they possess the trait of cruelty, and their blood and flesh produce cruelty in the soul. And for the Jewish People, who were commanded to be compassionate and to love one another, it is appropriate that these be forbidden to them.”

In other words, keeping kosher helps us develop kindness, compassion, and sensitivity which are core values of Jewish life.

4. Spiritual Reward in the World to Come

Kashrut has eternal meaning. According to the Midrash, in the future, Hashem will gather those who were careful about what they ate and reward them with everlasting spiritual blessings.

Observing kashrut isn’t just about this life but it opens the door to spiritual reward in the next.

5. Health Benefits of Kosher Food

While the main purpose of kashrut is spiritual, many of the Torah’s guidelines also support physical health.

One study reviewed 60 research papers on the dangers of eating insects. The results were clear: insects can cause serious health problems such as allergies, skin reactions, asthma, and even infections.

Kosher meat is also prepared in a way that helps protect us. Jewish law requires that blood be drained or salted out of meat, since blood can carry bacteria and toxins. This process makes the meat cleaner and safer.

Even the custom of waiting between meat and milk has health value. Meat takes longer to digest, and eating dairy too soon afterward can cause discomfort, inflammation, or digestive issues. The waiting time gives your body a chance to rest and reset.

The Bottom Line: Kashrut Nourishes Both Body and Soul

Keeping kosher isn’t only about obeying divine laws, it’s a way to protect your health, refine your character, and open your heart to spiritual growth. Whether you’re just starting your Jewish journey or taking the next step, kashrut is a beautiful way to deepen your connection to Hashem and live a more meaningful life.