Kosher Kilt

       More Letters From Paradise
             Kosher Kilt

Just when I think that I have heard it all, there is this great story coming out of Scotland. This is the place where men wear kilts, eat haggis, and make and drink scotch whiskey.

Scots are divided into clans, each one with a distinctive tartan plaid color. They vary in design and color and are very beautiful. Woven of wool, and worn by men around the waist and hanging to the knees. It's best not to ask a Scot what he is wearing under his kilt.

All of the above information is easily found. But I have discovered something new concerning Scottish kilts. There is a Jewish rabbi who was born in Scotland, and recently caused a Jewish kilt to be manufactured. According to Jewish law the kilt had to be made of linen, not wool, as all the others are. The colors are blue and white, the colors of the flag of Israel, and the Star of David woven into the fabric.

This is an excellent example of how the Jewish people have managed to survive for a couple of thousand years. They adapted to the country where they lived, but managed to retain their identity and religion.

If you happen to have any Scottish ancestry, this story should tickle you silly. It does for me. My clan is MacDonald of Glencoe. But if you don't happen to be Scottish, and are Irish instead, take heart, for Irish are only Scots who learned how to swim.  

        Aloha
        Grant