The manner in which he dedicates to dichotomous manners of serving G-d cannot be merely superficial, rather he must completely dedicate himself to these two conflicting manners of G-dly service. Only then can it truly be said that he is serving G-d.
This is what is expressed in split hooves. What is expressed in chewing the cud is that one must continuously reflect and inspect one’s service.
A person cannot nonchalantly and imperturbably assume that he is serving G-d correctly. As he is a human, corporeal individual he is prone to error. Rather, he must constantly contemplate and digest whether or not he is indeed properly serving G-d.
The lesson is clear:
Just as pertaining to food a person must inspect whether or not the animal is fit for consumption, so too with all matters of G-dly service.
A person should not rely on one’s self but instead inspect everything and ensure that all his actions are truly done to serve G-d.
(Based on Likutei Sichos 2, Re’eh, reworked by Rabbi Dovid Markel. To see other projects and to partner in our work, see: www.Neirot.com.)
