KOSHER - it's a chok

Although we may have some notion of why we keep kosher, ultimately its reason is still beyond us. It belongs to a category of Mitzvot called 'Chukim'.

Chukim is a category of Mitzvot that even after they were commanded, we really cannot understand them. And Kashrut is such a set of laws. What does it represent? We do not know.

Keeping the Chukim is a special part of our relationship with Hashem. If we know the reason for something, then we are doing the act because of our understanding, not because of G-d's will. Connecting with G-d because of our own understanding is not such a true relationship.

By way of example, if a wife makes a request and the husband responds that he will do it only if she explains it to him, the relationship is deficient. There is something special and intimate about doing something just because your spouse requested it. This request and the subsequent fulfilling of the request, without reason, reflects a deep harmony between the husband and wife.

When we do an act, or refrain from doing an act, because it is G-d's will, we are able to connect with Him in a special and intimate way. His will becomes the drive behind our action, not our own will and understanding. When we connect with G-d only because we understand, then we are connecting with our understanding. This is a shallow, if not strained, relationship. So, kashrut gives us an opportunity to connect with G-d in our every day life. Every time we eat we can be conscious of fulfilling G-d's will through our eating.

There are good reasons to keep Kosher. Ultimately, though, it is a plan designed by G-d for the Jewish body. And it works.