Exploring the Transition from Kosher to Non-Kosher: A Personal Journey
Every individual's journey towards or away from religious practices is unique. For me, the transition from a strictly kosher household to a more flexible approach was both a challenge and a relief.
My Background and Early Habits
My father's background was rooted in a strict kosher household, while my mother's was in a Christian environment. When they decided to marry, they found a way to accommodate both by getting kosher meat from a local butcher. However, my mother still procured bacon and ham, which my father eventually began to incorporate into his diet.
As we navigated life together, my father's strict kosher habits gradually evolved into a more lenient kosher style. By the time my mother passed away, my father had learned to cook a variety of dishes that were not always strictly kosher. For him, the taste and enjoyment of the food became more important than adhering to the strict kosher laws.
The Green Bean Incident
A memorable incident involving green beans illustrates the transition. On one occasion, my father's mother was visiting, and we had green beans for dinner. My mother's habit was to add a piece of bacon to the water before boiling the green beans. My younger brother, aware that my grandmother was strict about kosher food, was upset when he noticed the bacon had been removed. This incident highlighted the tension between tradition and personal preference.
The Secular Period and Practical Considerations
After my mother's passing, I reached the age of 14 and became secular. The practical challenges of poverty, the high cost of kosher meat, and the impossibility of maintaining kosher practices in certain areas forced me to rethink my dietary choices. Initially, I was hesitant and felt a sense of guilt when I deviated from the kosher path.
I recall a specific instance where eating a crab led to an allergic reaction, which I perceived as a form of divine punishment. Over time, I realized that such reactions are not linked to religious practices but rather to individual health issues. This realization freed me from the guilt and allowed me to adopt a more flexible approach to my diet.
The Current State of My Diet
Today, I no longer keep kosher, but I still avoid seafood, pork, and shelled seafoods. This decision is driven by a belief that these foods are harmful to the soul. I find that eating non-kosher foods often leads to negative experiences or affects my sense of spiritual connection. However, I have come to understand that these are personal beliefs and not necessarily a reflection of divine retribution.
Feeling the Spiritual Impact
My experiences have taught me that keeping kosher involves more than just following rules; it is about maintaining a spiritual connection. I sometimes feel that non-kosher foods feed the yetzer hara (the evil inclination) and can dull the connection between my soul and body. While I find the transition challenging at times, I consider keeping kosher a responsibility that brings a sense of purpose and self-discipline to my life.
In conclusion, the journey from a strict kosher diet to a more flexible approach has been deeply personal and transformative. While I respect the traditions, I recognize that my dietary choices are a reflection of my individual beliefs and experiences.