February 21

NT – Thanks! Alfred! I had always assumed that mustard green and mustard tree were the same. The seeds look identical. Here is a great website with photos, and all sorts of interesting facts such as the mustard tree is also called the toothbrush tree as it has anti-bacterial properties that resist tooth decay. Also, it originated in Persia. Hmmm – do you think that the returning Jews from captivity brought it with them?
At any rate, go check it out and learn something new!
The Mustard Tree.


OT-- These are the laws of kashrus. If you ever see a K inside of a circle on packaging or in the window of a deli, this means a rabbi has certified this as following ‘kashrus’.
Many people assume the reason for the restriction of the animal sources is due to health issues. Every rabbi that I have ever talked to has denied this up to and including the ones I spent the last 6 weeks eating with at my Interfaith Conference.
Here is a parable from Rashi regarding kashrus:
A doctor came to visit two patients. To one of them he said, “you may eat whatever you like”. To the other he gave a precise and restrictive diet. Soon, the first patient died and the second recovered. The doctor explained that there was no hope for the first patient so there was no reason to deny him what he loved to eat, but the second patient was basically healthy, so it was important to give him a diet that would return him to his full health. So it was with Israel. Because the Jewish people have the capacity for spiritual life, God ‘prescribed’ foods that would be conducive to their spiritual growth.
Stone Chumash p. 597
I will say the most logical answer came from one of my father’s friend’s wives who is an Orthodox Jew. She said, “Food is a requirement for everyone. If your food is different for whatever reason, it sets you apart. In order to keep the family together, it was important to be set apart from the world.”
Additionally – p.605
“In conclusion, the Torah places these laws in a new perspective. The consumption of these foods impedes a person’s ability to elevate and sanctify himself, it contaminates the soul in ways that no physical examination can decipher, and it creates a barrier between the Jew and his perception of God. Small wonder that those who consume forbidden foods cannot see the logic of these prohibitions, just as one who lives on analgesics finds it strange that other people cry out in pain at stimuli he does not feel. Painkillers dull the nerves and forbidden foods dull the spiritual antennae.”

As one who has dieted most of my adult life, I stand in awe that people actually are able to maintain kashrus.

Psalm – This psalm provides a gruesome portrait of someone whose wickedness (in this case David) has made him sick. Here is what my NIV study Bible has to say about this psalm:
This psalm provides a vivid reflection on how lives can be affected by unresolved sin. David admits his wrongdoing and unpacks the depth of his troubles since. Physically, he is troubled by the malaise of lethargy, and weakness. His immune system is compromised; he suffers backaches, heart palpitations, blurred vision and constant pain. Psychologically, he feels alienated from God, his family, his friends and his community. He has phobias about his enemies and is almost catatonic with inner distress and depression. Spiritually he is troubled by doubt, self-pity and anxiety.
David is not overreacting nor is he a hopeless hypochondriac. He lived a long and prosperous life, was esteemed by thousands and wrote many poems and songs that speak of spiritual and emotional health. Whatever prompted this psalm revealed the kind of physical, spiritual and emotional disease that can afflict us when we move outside of God’s good ways.
Wow.