Why Keep Kosher? The Spiritual, Ethical, and Health Reasons Behind Jewish Dietary Laws

“Dear Rabbi, I’ve been searching for a logical explanation to give my husband about keeping kosher. I usually explain it in spiritual terms — that the animal’s energy enters the body — but where can I find an article with additional explanations? Thank you.”

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Shalom, and may you be blessed for your good desire to guide your husband.

It is important to remember that the observance of mitzvot ultimately comes from faith in God and in the Torah given from Heaven. A person who lacks that foundation will not be convinced only by the “reason” behind a commandment, as they will always think themselves wiser and able to reach perfection without it.

That said, kashrut indeed has a spiritual influence on the soul in shaping a person’s inner qualities in ways beyond human understanding. It also carries practical, physical, and psychological dimensions.

Insects and Creeping Creatures

In nature, creeping creatures are at the bottom of the food chain and are consumed by more primitive animals. Humans who eat such creatures internalize, even subconsciously, a more animalistic and base perspective. These beings live in filth, decay, and dark crevices.

Even crabs, for example, are scavengers that feed on rotting remains and “clean” beaches of waste. By eating such creatures, a person connects more strongly to materiality and less to the spiritual. In addition, many of these creatures carry bacteria and viruses from decaying matter, making them unhealthy for the body.

On an ethical level, small creatures such as insects and shellfish are often cooked or roasted alive, making their consumption an act of cruelty.

Fish

The Torah permits only the simplest fish, those without higher intelligence. Most marine mammals and complex sea creatures are forbidden including dolphins, whales, sharks, octopuses, and seals.

The reason is that these animals display higher awareness and intelligence. Consuming such creatures that are more self-aware, encourages a cruel and predatory approach.

Birds

The Torah generally prohibits birds of prey and non-innocent species. Eating predatory birds mirrors the violent side of nature, implanting a more aggressive quality in the individual.

Mammals

The Torah forbids most mammals. The few permitted animals such as cows, sheep, and goats, are simple, tame, and lacking in sophisticated intelligence. They graze peacefully and live uncomplicated lives.

By contrast, animals like dogs, cats, monkeys, horses, and pigs are forbidden. Pigs, in particular, are highly problematic because they are among the most intelligent animals, but also their meat is very fatty which fosters material lust, and damages health. The highest rates of heart disease worldwide are in countries where pork is a dietary staple.

A Deeper Ethical and Ecological Purpose

The Torah restricts humans from eating the majority of living creatures. This curbs cruelty, prevents humanity from intruding into the higher cycles of nature, and protects the ecological balance. Because humans are capable of wiping out entire species — even top predators, the Torah limits us to a small group of permissible animals which are simple, harmless, but not degraded like insects or scavengers.