It’s funny.
In Baltimore, many people who keep kosher scrutinize the hechsher (rabbinic approval) of their products by which rabbi supplied the OK. There are some perfectly “kosher” caterers and products unallowed because some rabbis veto it for political reasons.
Yet, some want to look the other way when the largest supplier of kosher meat, Agriprocessors, provides perfectly acceptable food created in what increasingly appears to be a less then kosher environment.
Sunday’s New York Times again highlighted the many alleged violations allowed under the Jewish family’s ownership of the huge operation. They include: child labor, sexual harassment, unsafe conditions and cruel treatment, among others.
There were many reasons why Jews long ago were first commanded to observe kashrut – cleanliness, proper treatment of animals and health being some. (Eating pork used to make one prone to the disease trichinosis).
Today, just as Judaism has evolved over time, it’s time to evolve our kosher laws. I’m not saying we should now eat pork. But we should consider our current world situation and make sure our laws are appropriate. People, including non-Jews once thought kosher meant higher quality because we reported to a higher authority. Now, with the media attention, more people are thinking twice.
Kosher approval should consider factors like the work environment and how animals and people are treated. (The Conservative movement is discussing this with their hechsher tzedek movement, in which Baltimore Rabbi Avrum Reisner is playing a major role.) What about including the need for organic meat since the current standard processing creates unhealthy beef products pumped full of steroids and anti-biotics? Modern meat processing also makes the end result devoid of nutrients such as Omega-3 fatty acids.
What I love about Judaism is that we have always evolved to fit the needs of the day while maintaining our core values. It’s time to apply that to our kosher laws.
Posted by on 07/30/08 at 10:23 AM | Comments (0)
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