Michael Davis
The consumption of mushrooms is a topic of debate in the Torah. While some newer Torah keepers argue that mushrooms are unclean, most Rabbis consider them kosher. This is because mushrooms are not seed-bearing plants, which the Torah permits humans to eat. However, the Torah does not explicitly prohibit the consumption of fungi, and they are generally considered permissible. Nevertheless, some argue that mushrooms are comparable to mould or mildew, and thus, unclean. The debate also extends to the blessing associated with consuming mushrooms, as they do not grow from the ground like plants.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Status in Torah | The Torah does not explicitly mention mushrooms, but it allows the consumption of seed-bearing plants and trees. |
| Status in Jewish Law | Most Rabbis consider mushrooms kosher, but some newer Torah keepers believe they are unclean due to their comparison to mold/mildew or belief that they grow on dead things. |
| Status of Psychedelic Mushrooms | The consumption of psychedelic mushrooms is generally discouraged due to health risks and the potential for dangerous spiritual experiences. However, some kabbalists, like Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, have advocated for their usage in religious contexts. |
| Kashrut Concerns | Mushrooms may have kashrut concerns related to processing, ingredients, and bug infestation. Canned mushrooms require kosher certification, while fresh, dried, or frozen mushrooms without questionable ingredients are usually considered kosher. |
| Blessing | Since mushrooms do not grow from the ground like plants, the blessing for plant-based foods is not recited. Instead, the blessing for meat and other non-plant-based foods is said: "That all came to being from His word" ("she'hakol ni'hi'ye bidvaro"). |
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What You'll Learn
Most rabbis consider mushrooms kosher
The Torah is the first place to look when determining whether something is kosher. The Torah specifies which foods are forbidden, including most of the animal kingdom, insects, birds, and some types of fish. The most basic rule is that blood must not be consumed, and meat must be slaughtered in a specific way. The Torah also allows humans to eat seed-bearing plants and trees, but it is unclear if this excludes mushrooms, which produce spores.
In practical law, although mushrooms are considered kosher, there may be kashrut concerns that arise during their processing. Fresh, dried, or frozen mushrooms without questionable ingredients are fine. However, canned mushrooms may be processed with non-kosher ingredients or on equipment used for non-kosher food, so they require kosher certification. It is also important to check that mushrooms are not infested with bugs.
The laws of kashrut are derived from the Torah's books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy, but their details and practical applications are set down in the Oral Torah, eventually codified in the Mishnah and Talmud. Although the Torah does not state the rationale for most kashrut laws, some suggest that they are tests of obedience, while others propose philosophical, practical, or hygienic reasons. Some Jewish scholars say that kashrut should be categorized as laws for which there is no particular explanation, as the human mind cannot always understand divine intentions.
The Torah requires followers to guard their health, including their mental health, so it is important to avoid illegal and psychedelic drugs. However, some kabbalists, such as Rabbi Ariel bar Tzadok, do not take students who have used psychedelic drugs, while others, like Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, have publicly stated that they consume hallucinogens and advocate for their usage in connection with religious experiences.
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Some newer Torah keepers consider mushrooms unclean
While most rabbis consider mushrooms kosher, some newer Torah keepers believe they are unclean. This is because mushrooms do not yield seeds, and Genesis 1:29 says: "And God said, 'Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed... You shall have them for food.'" However, Genesis 9:3–4 says: "Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat."
The Torah does not explicitly prohibit the consumption of fungi, but some newer Torah keepers believe that mushrooms are comparable to mould or mildew and that they grow on dead things, making them unclean. However, mushrooms grow on decomposing wood and plant matter, not animals, so they are not considered unclean in this regard.
The Torah specifies which foods are forbidden, and this includes most insects, animals, some birds, and some types of fish. The basic eating rule in the Torah is that blood must not be consumed. This means that mammals and birds must be slaughtered according to a specific process known as shechita, in which a certified ritual slaughterer, or shochet, quickly severs the trachea, oesophagus, carotid arteries, and jugular veins using an ultra-sharp instrument called a chalaf. This causes rapid and massive blood loss. Meat must then be broiled, roasted, or soaked and salted to be considered fit for consumption.
The laws of kashrut, or Jewish dietary laws, are derived from the Torah's books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy. While some believe these laws have incidental health benefits, others argue that they are symbolic in character or simply tests of obedience.
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The Torah does not explicitly mention psilocybin mushrooms
The Torah, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, does not explicitly mention psilocybin mushrooms. However, it provides guidelines on what foods are permissible to eat. According to Genesis 1:29, Adam and Eve were allowed to eat all seed-bearing plants and trees, except for the Tree of Knowledge. This passage has been interpreted to mean that only plants and trees that produce seeds are kosher, or permissible to eat. Mushrooms, as fungi, do not produce seeds, but they do produce spores. Therefore, some people argue that mushrooms are not kosher.
However, others argue that mushrooms are always kosher because they are considered produce that grows from the earth, similar to fruits, grains, and vegetables. The Talmud, a collection of Jewish oral law and tradition, recognizes that mushrooms grow on the ground but do not receive their nourishment from it. Instead, they draw their nutrients from other organisms, typically decomposing plants. This unique growth process does not disqualify mushrooms from being kosher.
While the Torah does not explicitly address psilocybin mushrooms, it emphasizes the importance of guarding one's health, including mental health. Some interpret this to mean that all illegal and psychedelic drugs, including psilocybin mushrooms, should be avoided. Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, for example, prohibited intoxication that interfered with Torah study, although he made an exception for wine during Purim. Other rabbis, like Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, have publicly advocated for the usage of hallucinogens in connection with religious experiences.
The debate around the kosher status of mushrooms and the consumption of hallucinogens highlights the complexity of interpreting Torah law. While some focus on the literal interpretation of the text, others consider the broader principles and values it espouses. Ultimately, the interpretation of whether psilocybin mushrooms are unlawful in the Torah is left to individual rabbis and Jewish scholars.
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The Torah prohibits the consumption of blood
The Torah, the sacred text of Judaism, outlines a set of dietary laws that observant Jews adhere to, and these laws include restrictions on the consumption of certain foods, including blood. The Torah prohibits the consumption of blood as outlined in Leviticus 17:11, which states, "For the life of every creature is in its blood; therefore I said to the children of Israel, 'You shall not eat the blood, nor an animal that dies of itself.'" This prohibition is part of the broader category of kashrut, the Jewish dietary laws, which also include restrictions on certain types of animals and the requirement to separate meat and dairy products.
The prohibition on consuming blood is based on the understanding that blood represents life, and as such, it is sacred and belongs to God. This belief is reflected in Leviticus 17:14, which says, "for it is the life of all flesh. Its blood sustains its life." By refraining from consuming blood, Jews demonstrate their respect for life and acknowledge God's ownership over it.
The Torah provides specific instructions on how to handle blood properly to ensure it is not consumed. For example, when slaughtering animals for food, the blood must be drained and covered with earth, as stated in Leviticus 17:13: "And whatever man of the house of Israel, or of the strangers who sojourn among you, who hunts and catches any animal or bird that may be eaten, he shall pour out its blood and cover it with earth." This practice ensures that the blood is returned to the ground from which all life originates.
Additionally, the Torah prohibits consuming certain parts of animals where blood tends to concentrate, such as the fat surrounding the internal organs (suet). In Leviticus 3:16-17, God commands Moses, "All the fat is the Lord's. And you shall eat neither fat nor blood." This injunction further emphasizes the sanctity of blood and the need to avoid consuming it.
The prohibition on consuming blood also extends to rare or undercooked meat, as blood may still be present. Jews who keep kosher will typically ensure that meat is cooked thoroughly to avoid any presence of blood. This practice aligns with modern food safety guidelines, which recommend cooking meat to a safe minimum temperature to prevent foodborne illnesses.
In conclusion, the Torah's prohibition on consuming blood is rooted in the belief that blood represents life and is sacred to God. Observant Jews adhere to this law through specific practices, such as proper blood handling during slaughter and refraining from consuming certain animal parts and undercooked meat. This dietary law serves as a reminder of the sanctity of life and God's ownership over it, influencing Jewish culinary traditions and practices.
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The Torah does not prohibit the eating of fungi
The Torah, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, outlines a series of laws and commandments that observant Jews follow in their daily lives. One of the most well-known aspects of Torah law is the set of dietary restrictions, known as Kashrut or Kosher laws, which dictate what foods are permissible to eat and how they should be prepared. While the Torah does not explicitly mention mushrooms, the interpretation of these laws has led to some debate among rabbis and Torah keepers about whether or not they are permitted.
The primary source of debate surrounding the permissibility of eating mushrooms arises from the interpretation of Genesis 1:29, which states: "And God said, 'Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food.'" Mushrooms, as fungi, do not yield seeds in the same way that plants and trees do, leading some to argue that they are not included in what God intended for humans to eat.
However, it is important to note that the Torah also states in Genesis 9 that "every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things." This verse suggests a broader interpretation of permissible food, which could include mushrooms. Additionally, the Talmud, a collection of Jewish oral law and tradition, recognizes that mushrooms, while growing on the ground, do not receive their nourishment from the ground and are therefore distinct from plants.
Furthermore, according to Jewish philosophy, the 613 commandments in the Torah can be divided into three groups, one of which includes laws that are understood after explanation but would not be legislated without the Torah's command. The dietary laws, including Kashrut, fall into this category, suggesting that they are meant to demonstrate God's authority and are not necessarily based on rational explanations. As such, some have argued that there is no explicit prohibition against eating mushrooms in Torah law, and they are therefore permissible.
In practical terms, most rabbis consider mushrooms to be Kosher, and they are widely consumed within the Jewish community. However, there may be Kashrut concerns that arise during the processing of mushrooms, particularly with canned mushrooms, which may come into contact with non-Kosher ingredients or equipment. Additionally, it is important to ensure that mushrooms are not infested with bugs, as this would render them non-Kosher.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms are not explicitly mentioned in the Torah. However, some people argue that since they do not yield seeds, they are not considered food according to Genesis 1:29, which states that "every plant yielding seed...shall be food for you".
Most rabbis consider mushrooms to be kosher. However, some newer Torah keepers argue that they are unclean because they are similar to mould or mildew and grow on dead things.
Fresh, dried, or frozen mushrooms without questionable ingredients are generally considered acceptable. However, canned mushrooms may require kosher certification due to potential cross-contamination with non-kosher food or ingredients.
The Torah requires followers to guard their health, including mental health. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid all illegal and psychedelic drugs, including psilocybin mushrooms.
While most rabbis discourage the use of psychedelic drugs, Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi publicly stated that he personally consumed hallucinogens and advocated for their usage in connection with religious experiences.
