Choose a fine, kosher red wine to enjoy this Shabbat.

Like the mitzvah of Parah Adumah, the laws of Kashruth, discussed in this week’s parasha, are treated as a chok, a commandment for which the Torah does not provide a rational explanation. To learn more about the laws of Kashruth and how those laws have actually historically helped join Jews together with one another and maintain their identity, enjoy this enlightening and intriguing analysis entitled “Those Remarkable Dietary Laws” from Rabbi Buchwald’s Torah Message that was offered on the Torah portion of Shemini. Out of respect for the Sabbath, please consider printing it on Friday afternoon if you plan to read it on Shabbat.