Rab. Moisés Chicurel será el Rabino Principal de la Comunidad Judía de Madrid

Summary

In this insightful interview, Rabbi Moisés Chicurel explores the timeless wisdom of Judaism through key precepts such as Shabbat, kashrut, and family intimacy laws. He explains how Shabbat fosters freedom, reflection, and genuine human connection in a digitally enslaved world. Kashrut is highlighted not only for dietary rules but as a tool for self-control, ethical consumption, and compassion toward animals. The discussion on marital intimacy emphasizes respect, emotional readiness, and the spiritual dimension of relationships, promoting communication, anticipation, and mutual dignity. Throughout, Rabbi Chicurel underscores the enduring relevance of these practices, illustrating how ancient teachings nurture ethical, spiritual, and balanced modern lives.

Takeaways

• 🕯️ Shabbat is the first mitzvah given to the Israelites, offering freedom from daily obligations and fostering personal and family connection.
• 📵 Observing Shabbat helps counter modern digital slavery, promoting human connection, rest, and reflection.
• 🥩 Kashrut (dietary laws) goes beyond food rules, teaching self-control, ethical mindfulness, and consideration for the welfare of animals.
• 🐄 Only calm, non-aggressive animals that can be humanely slaughtered are permissible, reflecting moral responsibility in consumption.
• 🌱 Kashrut also emphasizes ethical sourcing and sharing, including tithing and caring for others in the community.
• 🍬 Teaching children Kashrut instills self-awareness and the ability to pause and make thoughtful choices about what they consume.
• 💧 Niddah and Tebilah cycles encourage couples to respect biological and emotional states, allowing periods of abstinence for renewal and reflection.
• ❤️ Observing Niddah fosters courtship, communication, and emotional intimacy, strengthening long-term marital relationships.
• 🌙 Ritual immersion in natural water symbolizes purification, rebirth, and preparation for new constructive life cycles.
• 👩‍⚖️ Judaism upholds the dignity and rights of women, with legal protections in marriage and a focus on mutual respect between partners.
• 🧘 These precepts—Shabbat, Kashrut, and Niddah—offer practical strategies for self-discipline, moral living, emotional health, and spiritual growth.
• ⚖️ Observing these laws in the modern world remains highly relevant, addressing overwork, ethical consumption, and relational well-being.

Q & A

Why is Shabbat considered the most important holiday in Judaism?

Shabbat is considered the most important holiday because it symbolizes freedom and provides a dedicated time for self-reflection, family connection, and spiritual renewal. It allows people to step away from daily responsibilities and material concerns, fostering a sense of human connection and inner peace.

How does observing Shabbat help modern individuals compared to ancient times?

In modern times, people are often enslaved by social media, work, and constant communication. Observing Shabbat offers a break from this digital and social pressure, enabling individuals to reconnect with family, enjoy personal time, and reduce mental and emotional stress.

What is the philosophical significance of Kashrut in the 21st century?

Philosophically, Kashrut teaches self-control and mindfulness regarding what we consume. It encourages awareness of moral, spiritual, and ethical dimensions of food, fostering discipline that can extend to other areas of life, rather than being merely a set of dietary restrictions.

Why does the Torah permit only certain animals for consumption?

The Torah permits only calm, non-aggressive animals that can be slaughtered without suffering. This emphasizes ethical treatment of animals, moral responsibility, and spiritual mindfulness in food consumption.

What is the purpose of separating meat and milk according to Jewish law?

Separating meat and milk has historical roots in preventing practices linked to ancient pagan fertility rituals. It also fosters ethical consciousness, self-restraint, and moral discipline, helping individuals reflect before acting on basic instincts.

How does the concept of TUM relate to sexual relations in Judaism?

TUM refers to a temporary state of non-optimal spiritual, emotional, and biological readiness. Observing periods of abstention, such as during menstruation or male discharge, allows both partners to renew themselves emotionally and physically, promoting a healthier, more conscious sexual relationship.

What is the significance of immersion in a mikveh?

Immersion in a mikveh represents spiritual renewal and purification. It symbolizes leaving behind a previous state and emerging refreshed and cleansed, enabling emotional, physical, and spiritual readiness for new cycles, including sexual and marital renewal.

How do NID laws benefit marital relationships?

NID laws create periods of temporary abstention, which cultivate anticipation, emotional intimacy, and communication between partners. This deliberate spacing enhances the spiritual and emotional aspects of the relationship, preserving excitement and mutual respect.

How does Judaism ensure the dignity and respect of women in marriage?

Judaism was the first culture to establish a legal document to protect women within marriage, ensuring their safety and dignity. Women are recognized as autonomous partners, not objects, and both partners are encouraged to maintain personal space while building a committed relationship.

What are the modern implications of Kashrut concerning animal welfare?

Modern Kashrut emphasizes ethical treatment of animals, ensuring they are healthy and free from suffering. This includes proper feeding, living conditions, and humane slaughter practices, reflecting a moral responsibility to use the world without causing harm or exploitation.

Why is the number seven significant in Jewish practices?

The number seven symbolizes completeness and space in Jewish tradition. For example, after menstruation, women count seven clean days before resuming marital intimacy, allowing for emotional, spiritual, and biological renewal, aligning personal cycles with broader spiritual rhythms.

How does the concept of courtship factor into Jewish marital precepts?

Judaism encourages ongoing courtship and mutual respect in marriage. Practices like periods of abstention and mikveh immersion rekindle anticipation, attention, and emotional connection between partners, preventing monotony and reinforcing the spiritual and physical aspects of love.