Why do some Jews not keep Kosher?

Answer 1

The laws of kashrut are laid out in considerable detail in the Torah. That fact in itself is
enough to make kashrut important to those Jews who consider the Torah to be important.

But we have the capacity for reason and wisdom and critical thinking, and Judaism doesn't
demand blind obedience without any thought. If a Jew cares to think about kashrut in order
to understand it, then by all means he is encouraged to think about it, and to study what the
great thinkers have thought about it through Jewish history.

I won't attempt to outline or summarize the subject here, but I'll just give you a couple of
simple, transparent ideas on the topic:

1). Somewhere along the line, it must occur to the modern, educated, intelligent, thinking
person that maybe, just maybe, the substances that he routinely puts into his body on a
frequent and regular basis, several times daily for several decades, could have some influence
not only on the physical development of his body, but also on his character, personality,
attitude, outlook, and the type of person he becomes. Just maybe.

2). Where the Torah introduces the discussion of kashrut, it says something to the effect
that we are to do this in order to "be holy". I don't know what that means, and I submit
that there are very few people who do. But it sounds as if it may be kind of important, so
maybe while we're figuring it out, it might be wise to be aware of kashrut anyway, just so
we don't spoil something beyond repair before we've figured out what it means to "be holy".
After all, when we know what it means, we may decide that we want it ! So it might be shrewd
to keep our options open.

Answer 2

Generally speaking only Orthodox Jewish people live Kosher - they do it by choice because of the laws laid down in the Torah. There is also Conservative Judaism, some of whos members follow Kosher, some of whom don't, and and "Moderate" or "Reform" Judaism, most if not all of whom do not follow Kosher.

Answer 3

Every religion has its non-observant members.
1) Non-observant Jews may be under peer influence.
2) Convenience; desires. No one wants "bothersome" rules.
3a) Lack of proper information. People have inaccurate notions about their religion.
3b) Lack of Jewish education.
4) Unfortunate experiences. Someone who had a harsh religious upbringing or parent, may retain an unhappy feeling towards Judaism.
5) Many think that science, and specifically Evolution, have proved that there is no need for religion.
6) Intellectual laziness. Many people have simply never delved into the subject.
7) Stereotyping. People call us "religious nuts," etc.

Answer 4

Every religion has its non-observant members. 1) Non-observant Jews may be under peer influence. In high school, for example, the one student in a class who brought a kosher lunch may be subject to ridicule. This may have led him/her to become slack.

2) Convenience; desires. No one wants "bothersome" rules, or limitations to their personal pleasure. We see how lack of self-discipline has led Western society to epidemic obesity, drunkenness, divorce rates, etc.

3a) Lack of proper information. People have inaccurate notions about their religion. They've picked up tidbits, jokes, and "sound-bites," and on such solid authority they dismiss the entire topic.

3b) Lack of Jewish education.

4) Unfortunate experiences. Someone who had a harsh religious upbringing or parent, may retain an unhappy feeling towards Judaism.

5) Many think that science, and specifically Evolution, have proved that there is no need for religion.

6) Intellectual laziness. Many people have simply never delved into the subject, to see if the truth and/or value of the Torah can be convincingly demonstrated.

7) Stereotyping. People call us "religious nuts," etc.; so the average layperson may get a negative feeling toward their tradition.

See also: How do you keep kosher?

Answer 5

Because the laws of Kashrut stem from the Torah and the commentaries of our greatest sages.

More information:

In order to be kosher, food has to be prepared according to the kosher-laws (see Deuteronomy ch.14). These are explained in detail in the Talmud-volume of Chullin.
* Meat must be from those land animals which have split hooves and chew their cud (such as beef, venison and mutton).
* Fish have to have scales and fins. Shellfish are not kosher.
* Birds cannot be among those listed as forbidden in the Torah (Deuteronomy ch.14) and cannot be hunters/scavengers. In actual practice, today we eat only those species concerning which we have a tradition that they're permitted, such as domestic chicken, geese, pigeons and turkey.

* Animals must be slaughtered in the manner specified by Jewish law and must be free of all disease. In actual practice, those who keep kosher purchase meat which is certified as having been prepared in the kosher manner.
* As much blood as possible must be removed from meat before cooking, since consumption of blood is forbidden (Leviticus ch.17). This is done at home or by the kosher butcher, through salting, soaking and rinsing.

* Dairy and meat cannot be combined in the same meal and there's a waiting period between eating one and then the other. After dairy: 1/2 hour. After meat: 6 hours for most Jewish communities.

* Fruits and vegetables should be checked to be sure they're free of bugs. Some Jews avoid cauliflower, asparagus, and the like, because of the difficulty in checking them.

Additionally, food must be prepared and handled following kashrut-laws and with kosher ingredients only. Processed foods should be labeled as having had kosher supervision during their processing. Any food that does not meet these requirements cannot be eaten by those who are religiously observant Jews.

See also:

Could you give me a list of kosher and non-kosher types of fish?

Why do some Jews not keep kosher?

The use of rennet

Answer 6

It should first be made clear that this only occurs among Liberal Jews. There are no Orthodox Jews who ignore kashrut laws.

Among Liberal Jews there are several reasons, all of which are non-traditional:

1. It's annoying and prevents freely eating whatever is available.
2. Treif (non-kosher) foods are tasty and or delicious.
   
3. Objections to methods of shechita (Jewish ritual slaughter), seeing it is overly gory or violent.
   
4. Desires to freely eat with co-workers and friends without making an issue of having to go to a kosher restaurant every time.
   
5. The Laws are outdated and do not belong in this modern era.
   
6. Rejection of Jewish Law or Religion in general and kashrut is simply one of many victims.
   

Answer 7

Every religion has its non-observant members.1) Non-observant Jews may be under peer influence. In high school, for example, the one student in a class who brought a kosher lunch may be subject to ridicule. This may have led him/her to become slack.

2) Convenience; desires. No one wants "bothersome" rules, or limitations to their personal pleasure. We see how lack of self-discipline has led Western society to epidemic obesity, drunkenness, divorce rates, etc.

3a) Lack of proper information. People have inaccurate notions about their religion. They've picked up tidbits, jokes, and "sound-bites," and on such solid authority they dismiss the entire topic.

3b) Lack of Jewish education.

4) Unfortunate experiences. Someone who had a harsh religious upbringing or parent, may retain an unhappy feeling towards Judaism.

5) Many think that science, and specifically Evolution*, have proved that there is no need for religion.

6) Intellectual laziness. Many people have simply never delved into the subject, to see if the truth and/or value of the Torah* can be convincingly demonstrated.

7) Stereotyping. People call us "religious nuts," etc.; so the average layperson may get a negative feeling toward their tradition.

• *See also the Related Links

Is Evolution real?

More about the Torah

How do you keep kosher?

Answer 8

As commanded by the Torah (Deuteronomy ch.14). See the attached Related Link (click on Keeping Kosher).

Answer 9

The most accurate answer is simply that the basic kosher laws are commandments of the Creator.