Sarx

This writer understands the Christian rejection of standards of Kosher ideas of “clean” and “unclean”. I well know the idea of Paul’s preaching for gentile converts. Although a reading of the Apostles’ letter – requesting converts to abstain from blood and things sacrificed to idols – could been seen as adhering to some form of Kashrut.

We use this as an excuse to blow off Jewish and Muslim ideas of “clean” and “unclean”. And while I think it might have been a good way to win converts from the pagan world (I mean, really, who wants to give up pork?) even the Church didn’t like the idea of “eat whatever”: that’s why half of the Church’s calendar is spent as a vegan.

Having said that, what if we limited our food to things that were just instead of clean?

What if we limited our food intake to only those items that were produced in a just relationship:

With God (instead of idols… but that’s your call)
With Creation – sustainable, local and, as needed, low-tech (as in those cases where Genetically Modified foods “escape” and ruin surrounding environments or kill other species).
With other persons – requiring just pay, just competition, safe working conditions
With ourselves – healthy.

Imagine refusing to eat in a way that did not show love to God, Neighbour and Self.

This is what fascinates me about the Heksher Tzedek movment.

The Hechscher Tzedek Campaign is an initiative of the Conservative Movement of Judaism to improve the working conditions, treatment of employees, environmental standards,and business practices in kosher food-producing businesses.

By definition, kosher food is in line with Jewish dietary ritual laws. This campaign will bring kosher food in line with Jewish ethical law and social justice values.