Q&A: Kosher Laws and Gentiles
Kosher Laws and Gentiles
Question
Hello Rabbi Michael,
In your article on enlightened idolatry, you refer to the Meiri and his revolutionary interpretation regarding gentiles.
Is that revolution also evident in Jewish law in the area of kashrut? Are the laws of "gentile bread" / "ordinary gentile wine" and so on still in force? If so, why?
In addition, what is the reason for these laws? Is it so that we do not mix with them and end up assimilating?
Answer
Indeed, these laws are not a sanction against gentiles, but rather a prohibition either "because of their daughters" or because they were forbidden due to idolatry involved in the matter. Neither of these two types of prohibition was canceled or changed, even according to the Meiri. By the way, I mention this in my article as well (regarding Christian ritual vessels).
Discussion on Answer
What exactly is no longer relevant about them?
What would be needed in order to abolish these laws nowadays, since they are no longer relevant?