Mishneh Torah, Forbidden Foods 8-10

Welcome

The text below comes from the Mishneh Torah, a monumental 12th-century code of Jewish law by Maimonides. For Jewish people, these rules aren't just dietary restrictions; they are a rhythmic way to remember a foundational story: Jacob’s struggle with a mysterious opponent, which left him with a lasting injury. By observing these laws, history becomes a living, physical experience.

Context

• Who/When/Where: Written by Maimonides (Rambam) in Egypt around 1180 CE.
• The Subject: The Gid Hanesheh (the sciatic nerve).
• Term to Know: Kosher (a Hebrew word meaning "fit" or "proper," referring to food that meets traditional Jewish dietary standards).

Text Snapshot

"[The prohibition against partaking of] the gid hanesheh applies with regard to kosher domesticated animals and wild beasts... In commemoration of this event [Jacob’s wrestling match], 'The children of Israel do not eat the gid hanesheh.'"

Values Lens

1. Commemoration: This practice elevates the value of memory. By avoiding a specific part of the animal, one is prompted to recall the story of Jacob—a reminder that life’s struggles often leave us changed, and that those changes are worth honoring.
2. Mindfulness: The intricate rules for removing the nerve encourage a deliberate, conscious approach to what we eat. It transforms a mundane act like preparing dinner into a disciplined practice of mindfulness and respect for tradition.

Everyday Bridge

You don’t have to keep kosher to appreciate the power of a "living memory." Think of a personal or cultural story that defines your values—perhaps a family tradition or a historical event that shaped your community. You might practice this by setting aside a specific time each year, or even a small physical ritual (like lighting a candle or preparing a specific dish), to consciously pause and reflect on that story, ensuring it doesn't fade into the background of daily life.

Conversation Starter

If you have a Jewish friend, you might ask:

• "I was reading about how some dietary laws are meant to 'commemorate' specific stories. Is there a particular food tradition you have that makes you feel most connected to your family history?"
• "How do these ancient practices change the way you think about your daily meals or your relationship to the past?"

Takeaway

Traditions aren’t always about "rules"—they are often about keeping our most important stories alive through the simple, repetitive actions of our daily lives.