I see that some Messianic rabbis say that being kosher is not necessary. These Rabbis probably came from Christian backgrounds and have watered down what God said and instructed us to do in Torah. Yes, God does not want us to eat unclean food as vultures, rats, bats, road kill, pork, and shellfish. I am a Messianic Jew and I am 100% kosher even though I fought it because Floridians love smoked pork and shrimp. Read exactly what God tells us and don't try to fit the Bible and Torah into something you want it to be. Don't make excuses...do what God wants you to do. Besides being part of the Law, everyone knows these animals are scavengers and filters to keep the earth clean never meant to be food. Remember, rats and pigs are the same. Ask and hunter or a real scientist what can be found in pigs and their feeding habits. The pig eats anything...more like a vulture...would you eat a vulture?