For observant Jews, eating pork is forbidden according to Jewish dietary laws, or kashrut. Pork is considered non-kosher because it does not meet the criteria laid out in the Torah, specifically in the book of Leviticus (11:7) and Deuteronomy (14:8). In these texts, animals must have split hooves and chew cud to be considered kosher, and pigs, although they have split hooves, do not chew cud. Therefore, pork is not allowed in a kosher diet.
However, the practice of keeping kosher varies greatly among individuals and communities. Here’s an overview of how common it is for Jews to eat pork, depending on different factors:
1. Strictly Observant Jews (Orthodox Jews):
- Very uncommon: For Orthodox Jews, keeping kosher is a strict and central part of their religious observance. They do not eat pork or any non-kosher food. This includes not just avoiding pork but also adhering to all aspects of kashrut, such as not mixing meat and dairy and following the proper slaughter methods.
- Strong cultural/religious value: The prohibition against pork is seen as a religious commandment, and most Orthodox Jews would avoid it entirely.
2. Conservative Jews:
- Varies: Conservative Judaism allows for some flexibility in how individuals observe Jewish laws, including kashrut. Some Conservative Jews keep kosher strictly, while others may only observe it partially, such as keeping kosher at home but not outside the home.
- Eating pork: For Conservative Jews who do not strictly observe kashrut, eating pork may be more common, though it is still viewed as a significant break from traditional Jewish dietary practices.
3. Reform and Secular Jews:
- More common: Among Reform, Reconstructionist, and secular Jews, keeping kosher is generally not a central part of religious life, and many Jews in these communities may eat pork. This is especially true for secular Jews, who may not observe dietary laws at all.
- Cultural versus religious identity: For many secular or culturally Jewish people, dietary restrictions like kashrut are not seen as important. Thus, they might eat pork and other non-kosher foods without concern.
4. Jewish Food Traditions:
- Non-kosher food in Jewish cuisine: Some Jewish communities, especially in regions where Jews have lived for many generations (e.g., in Eastern Europe or the Mediterranean), have historically eaten pork. However, these communities would still tend to follow Jewish dietary laws in their religious practices.
- Fusion or modern Jewish food: In recent times, especially in more secular or mixed Jewish communities, it’s not uncommon to see adaptations or reinterpretations of traditional food practices, and some might eat pork as part of modern lifestyles or cultural integration.
5. Geographic Variations:
- In Israel: The majority of Jews in Israel are either secular or traditional, and eating pork is relatively common among those who don’t strictly observe kashrut. However, kosher laws are enforced in certain public areas, such as in the army, on some public transportation, and in many restaurants. Nonetheless, pork is generally available in Israel, and secular Jews may consume it, while religious Jews would avoid it.
- In other countries: Among Jews in countries with diverse food cultures, such as the United States or European nations, the eating of pork is more common among secular Jews or those who do not adhere to religious practices.
In Summary:
- For observant Jews (particularly Orthodox Jews), eating pork is extremely uncommon and considered forbidden.
- For Jews who are less observant or secular, eating pork is more common and may not carry the same religious or cultural taboo.
Cultural shifts, personal beliefs, and levels of religious observance play a significant role in how strictly individuals adhere to dietary laws, so there’s considerable diversity in Jewish practices regarding pork consumption.