The term “torn of beasts” originally was applied only to the meat torn by the beasts in the field. It is now applied to any meat which is not ritually fit for Jewish consumption. The Kol Yehudah offers a homiletic rendering of this pasuk, which is unfortunately appropriate in contemporary times. Some individuals would “never” ignore the kashrus laws while they are within their community, i.e. home, family or in public where they are well known. This is the result either of a sense of shame or the accessibility of kosher food. When they are out “in the field,” however, they have a different mentality. After all, one must eat. Being alone in an area not frequented by his observant friends renders the non- kosher food much more palatable.
Another type of individual feels he must impress his colleagues and peers who do not adhere to the Jewish dietary laws. This act of moral cowardice is more offensive than the former. To all of these, the Torah admonishes, “Do not act like a Jew at home and reject your heritage when you leave the shelter of your Jewish environment. The same prohibitions which are in effect at home remain with you wherever you go.”
