God tells the Jewish people how they can know whether or not an animal is kosher. God said that if an animal has split hooves and brings up its own cud, then it's kosher and can be eaten. However, if any animal has either hooves that aren't split or it doesn't bring up its cud, then the animal isn't kosher and cannot be eaten. Of all the animals in the world, God tells the Jews that there's one animal that has split hooves but doesn't chew its own cud. It is:
"...the pig, for its hoof is split and it's hoof is completely separated, but it does not chew its cud...." (Lev. 11:7)
A LIFE LESSON
God clearly spells out that in order for an animal to be kosher, it must have both spilt hooves and chew its own cud. When an animal has split hooves, it appears from the outside - and certainly to all who look at the animal - that it's kosher. But only by knowing what's going on inside can one know for certain if an animal is kosher or not. The pig - the universal symbol of a non-kosher animal - appears to all who look at it that it is in fact a kosher animal. But only by knowing what's happening inside the animal - that it doesn't chew its own cud - can one know that the pig is completely non-kosher.
This teaches a very valuable lesson about us. A person could show all of the external signs and traits of being one kind of person, but inside, like the pig, is actually someone completely different.
One of the most important foundations someone needs to have in order for him to feel good about himself and have high self-esteem is to be consistent with who he is both externally and internally. Just like for an animal to be kosher it must have the proper signs on both its outside and inside, we must strive to do the same.
Sadly, people tend to act one way when the world is watching and another way altogether in private. Doing this can never make someone feel good about himself because he's a fake. If you show the world one "you", but are really someone much different, then you can never have a strong self-image or be truly happy.
However, there are times when you should act a little differently that who you normally are. For example, on a first date or job interview your manners might be better than they usually are. But if you present yourself as someone completely different that who you really are, then this is just like the pig. A great sight for all who look at it, but inside is secretly the exact opposite. Acting better in certain surroundings is fine, but being a completely different person makes you a fraud.
So, which is the real person: the public one or the private one? The lesson that God is teaching us is that it's who the person is on the inside - when he or is she is outside of public view - that largely determines the real "you." And when you refine the character of that person - the one the outside world rarely sees - then you'll never be living a life of deception. Try for one day to live your entire day as though everything you do - both in public and private - is being shown on a huge screen in Times Square for the whole world to see. And as the inside "you" begins to transform into the outside "you", you'll begin feeling so much happier because you won't be living of life of deceit but rather one of honesty, growth, and truth.
(18) Anonymous, March 29, 2016 12:56 PM
Great article! Thanks for posting!
(17) Anonymous, April 15, 2015 11:36 AM
Really excellent article! Thanks for posting this!
(16) hi, April 19, 2012 2:00 AM
cool
great dvar torah dude awesome freak sweet
(15) Roger De Freitas, April 17, 2012 11:09 AM
Kosher---Pigs
I often struggle to really understand why pigs were created, there must be a rational use for them.
Elisabeth Gomez, April 16, 2015 5:37 PM
Same reason cat and dog were made
(14) Ephraim, April 14, 2012 4:25 AM
Great Words
I really enjoy your comments. It is hard to follow you and what you say with any better words that touch home each and every time. You are truly a righteous person, who no doubt gives the people around you wisdom and integrity with the best of your ability. May G-d Bless and Keep us All in Peace!
(13) obj, April 12, 2012 11:09 AM
i love this
thnx for torah potions plesase countinue preparing the way for the master
(12) Benjamin, April 12, 2012 4:50 AM
...and concerning the reality of v'yyetzer?
...and was man not created with both yetzer tov v'yetzer harah, while the animals were created with but one kind of inclination? While I agree that one ought to strive to unite both his internal and external self, it would appear that this disconnect is not outside of his own nature. Surely, there is more than the mere act of keeping up appearances that makes a man a fraud. If only my best might be the worst I may do, then perhaps my worst might also be my best...
(11) marcia, March 26, 2011 8:23 AM
this is the first time I found this on line`
wow-iI will pass this to children grandchildren and others.
(10) , March 9, 2011 3:13 AM
very nice piece. I really enjoyed it
(9) Scott Granowski, March 28, 2008 3:38 PM
Inside vs. Outside, Pt. II
Last year's comment referred to my lack of forgiveness. As I have grown during the year, I have also discovered my cowardice - disliking people, but being unwilling to be honest about it (might cost me) or reevaluate my perception - 'cause G-d don't make junk! Thanks for an awesome column.
(8) abdelwhed, March 28, 2008 3:25 AM
thank for this new information to us about jew religion
jonathan, March 21, 2011 9:02 PM
fyi
just fyi better to say jewish peoples religion or simply jews.
(7) Daniel, March 28, 2008 12:57 AM
Kosher Food For Thought
Very worthwhile. Something I am trying to work on. Thank you.
(6) Anonymous, March 27, 2008 5:59 PM
i love reading this everyweek. i really do learn valuable lessons.
(5) david, March 26, 2008 8:44 AM
Summary
10 out of 10
(4) CA Wolpert, March 24, 2008 5:23 PM
Great Lessons
These were such great lessons then as well as today.
(3) David K PIERCE, April 14, 2007 10:07 PM
I love it when I learn something new - even at 60 :)
thank u 4 being there.
(2) Scott Granowski, April 6, 2007 5:36 PM
Inside vs. Outside
I have always struggled with the person I presented to the outside world versus the person I felt myself to be on the inside. This disconnection seemed to be rooted in a lack of forgiveness. So I guess when I'm judgemental, I'm "piggin' out!" Thanks for your column.
(1) Samantha McLeod, April 20, 2006 12:00 AM
Well said!
This topic really interests me and you summed it up in one! Thanks! Look forward to reading more of your articles.