Inner Integrity Matters

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And the pig, though it has a divided hoof, does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you. — Leviticus 11:7 

Each week in synagogue, Jews read through the Torah from Genesis to Deuteronomy. The Torah portion for this week is Shemini, which means “eighth,” from Leviticus 9:1–11:47.  

Our Inner Integrity  

In this week’s Torah portion, there is a hint at this important lesson—that our inner integrity matters to God and is far more important than outward displays designed to please other people. And interestingly enough, it can be found in the biblical dietary laws that Jews have followed for centuries.  

In Leviticus 11, we begin reading about the signs of kosher and non-kosher animals—animals that are considered clean and appropriate to eat, and those that are considered unclean. One of the distinctions between clean and unclean food is that kosher animals must chew their cuds (an internal sign) and have split hooves (an external sign). Both internal and external signs must be exhibited in order to be considered kosher. 

The Bible then goes on to list a number of animals that chew their cuds, but do not have split hooves, which are not kosher. After this list, the Bible mentions only one animal that has split hooves but does not chew its cud—the pig.  

While there are many animals that are not kosher, the pig is the primary symbol of those animals that are deemed unclean. The rabbis explain that the pig is the ultimate example of impurity because it has the external sign of being kosher—the split hooves—but the internal sign of being kosher is lacking. In this way, the pig represents people who appear to be holy and pious, but internally lack the inner integrity of true faith. Their internal character does not match their external display. Integrity is considered a kosher trait, while a lack of integrity is considered not kosher. Our internal condition matters more than our external condition to God. 

Your turn: Take a moment to reflect on how this teaching impacts you. Remember that God wants the real you!