Shemini 5786: Discipline and Holiness

About this episode

The episode explores the concept of holiness through everyday acts of restraint, focusing on kashrut and its implications for moral awareness.

What if holiness begins not in peak moments—but in everyday acts of restraint? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Michael Hattin explore Parshat Shemini, moving from the dramatic highs and tragic lows of the Mishkan’s inauguration to the everyday discipline of kashrut. They examine why the Torah offers detailed dietary laws without a clear explanation, and how classical commentators understand their purpose—from physical health to spiritual refinement. The conversation ultimately reframes kashrut as a practice of restraint, shaping moral awareness and helping us live with intention in even the most ordinary acts.

People in this episode

Guests: Zvi Hirschfield, Rabbi Michael Hattin

Topics covered

• holiness
• discipline
• kashrut
• Torah
• spiritual refinement
• moral awareness

Keywords

• holiness
• discipline
• kashrut
• Torah
• dietary laws
• spiritual refinement
• moral awareness
• restraint

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Parshat Shemini

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