Jews believe that this link to God needs to be preserved with adherence to the rules. Non adherence will break the connection to God. In order to preserve the connection, the rules set out in the Torah are followed. The Torah does not indicate any reasons for such laws. It is a requirement that God told the Jews in the Torah they must fulfil. Therefore, there is no requirement for justification.
Rabbinic interpretation provides an understanding of the Biblical laws and are seen as being 'Oral Mosaic Traditions'. It is usually referred to as the way of life as it is 'rooted' in the Bible and therefore the foundations of Judaism in today's society (Solomon, 2014). Rabbinic interpretation commissioned additional rules in connection with the written law of the Torah. This has formed a significant contribution to halakha or 'The path that one walks'. These rules are referred to as mitzvot and are to be considered as binding as Torah laws. However, differences in the application of them exist. This comprehensive guide to life enhances approaches for living life as a Jew which is based on what has been derived from the Torah rather than what is stated in the Torah.
Custom also determines kashrut regulations. However, there are differences in different communities, which implicate a sense of competiveness amongst rabbinical groups. This has resulted in the questioning of reliability within kashrut and the different standards it presents. Novak (2005 p3) highlights this:.
Orthodox and Conservative Judaism generally follow the same standards of kashrut, based on biblical, rabbinic and customary rules Conservative Judaism tends to follow more leniently options Reform Judaism does not regard kashrut as binding. Kashrut is important for the soul as well as for the body. Donin (1991 p98) refers to this as 'not so much a diet to maintain one's physical well-being, as a diet to maintain one's spiritual well-being'.
