Cohn, Jacob. The Royal Table - VWC: Faculty/Staff Web

BASES OF THE DIETARY LAWS 33
when it is certain that it contains no forbidden substance,
such as pork
or blood. This law is calculated to enforce
Jewish separatism, and deter Jews from undue intimacy
with non-Jews. 50 {jt is beyond any possibility of a doubt
that this law of separate diet has done more for the pre-
servation of the identity of the Jew, and consequently for
the preservation of the Torah which represents the Jewish
ideal of God and life, than any other single observance
which Jews practice.
IV. Inculcation of Moral Lessons.
There is hardly a precept of the Torah which, no matter
what its ultimate aim may be, does not also in some way
teach a lesson in ethics, manners, morals, or good taste.
This is especially true of the dietary laws. One of the
chief lessons we can derive from the study and practice of
these laws is an abhorrence of violence and cruelty.
"Since the desire of procuring good food necessitates the
slaying of animals, the Law enjoins that their death should
be the easiest possible," writes Maimonides. 51 In the Com-
mentary
to the Pentateuch of Nachmanides we find the
following beautiful and significant passage: "The reason
for ritual slaughter is that the Torah forbids the infliction
of useless pain on any living being. That is why before
killing an animal the benediction, 'Blessed art thou, O Lord,
who hast hallowed us with his commandments and commanded
us concerning ritual slaughter, 7
must always be
recited." 52
The Jewish method of slaughter is the most humane
ro Ibid 36b- one ty nu pnsn n IDN KTK n*a n n io
wn DiB>& nan DDB ty K^K DSD i&m rpp^iK >KO MSI* mtwa
.cry) nn nan Ditro omnm fyn Dnwn DIPD DJP tyi
81
Maimonides, Guide, HE, 48.
w Nachmanides, Commentary to Leviticus.