This study of the Holy Days is dedicated in the loving memory of Mrs. Ethel Sakash Belk, may she rest in peace.

One of the mitzvahs of this week's parsha is the prohibition of consuming dahm, meaning blood. "And you shall not eat any blood..." Leviticus 7:26

One may wonder why we would discuss such a subject. Most normal Jews are not in the habit of consuming blood... or are they? This is an interesting command.

A Jew who does not observe kashrus is in extreme danger of violating this mitzvah. Even observant Jews must be precautious in avoiding blood. Within the finely tuned makeup of the Jewish nefesh is a very delicate balance that is extremely sensitive to consumption of blood. It can be compared to a deafening effect. Over a period of time a person who listens to noises without protection will incur hearing loss. The amount of hearing loss is dependent on the several factors regarding the noise. The point is, one may suffer hearing loss, G-d forbid.

In a similar way one who consumes blood suffers both spiritual sensitivity loss and physical sensitivity problems. One's ability to function as Hashem intended will definitely be impaired. This is because blood is the essence of all living creatures. The Torah states that "the life of all flesh is in the blood." Leviticus 17:11 So if one consumes blood, G-d forbid, they absorb the presence of the being whose blood they consume. One simple example of this fact is disease. Yet there are other factors that are not as easily perceived that greatly affect one, like animal brutishness, cruelty and territory issues.

Then one considers the spiritual issues. Consuming blood greatly hinders the avenues of spiritual enlightenment. It is like trying to run a powerful electric tool on a very cheap extension cord. The cord cannot supply adequate current, the draw is too great. It is also like a bucket filled with rocks. The rocks weigh one down and prohibit the total use of the container for carrying its full potential.

So not only should a Jew purchase kosher meat, but one should be careful to extract blood by using salt and by roasting blood-concentrated parts like liver with fire before consuming.

Now considering this, why would a Jew, Jesus, who many consider to be their own personal savior... their own individual god... the one whom they credit with creating the world and writing the Torah... say words that contradict what he was purported to have said in the Torah?

"As they were eating, Jesus took {leavened} bread, {NOT MATZOH} and blessed it, broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, 'Take this {bread}, eat {it}; this is my body.' He {Jesus} took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, 'Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.'"

One MUST ask, what is the intention here? Why was leavened bread used at Pesach? Why was bread offered before the wine? Why was wine identified as blood?

Christians / Messianics claim that the New Testament is founded upon the Old Testament. Well, what Christians / Messianics refer to as the "Old Testament" prohibits leavened bread during Pesach. The Pesach Hagaddah order begins with offering wine, then matzoh. Finally it is offensive to suggest even in a symbolic way that one should consume blood for whatever reason, knowing the Torah prohibits such actions. NONE of these instances are supported by the Torah. They are in opposition to what G-d, the true Creator of the universe and giver of the Torah, commanded. They are inconsistent with what G-d said. They are inconsistent with the very nature of G-d. They are not similar in any fashion to the Torah... They are opposite!!

Considering this, I encourage all Jews to view everything they read, listen to and watch in light of the Torah, the PERFECT WORD OF HASHEM! Don't be misled by others' claims and writings which contradict the Torah. Every mitzvah of the Torah was created for the good of the Jewish people and for the good of the world. To disrupt this delicate flow is like removing a jet tire or a train rail. A problem is certain to result!

As we travel towards Pesach it is every Jew's responsibility to consider the effects of observing or, G-d forbid, violating what G-d has commanded, including the prohibition against consumption of blood! NOW, weeks before Pesach arrives, is the best time for each of us to consider our actions...

Wishing you the best,

Dr. Akiva G. Belk

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