WHAT DOES KOSHER MEAN?

The term "kosher" refers to food that adheres to the dietary laws of kashrut, which is a set of Jewish religious regulations. These laws dictate what foods are permissible for Jews to eat and how those foods must be prepared. Here’s a breakdown of the key concepts surrounding kosher:

1. DIETARY LAWS

• Permitted Animals: Only certain animals are considered kosher. For example, mammals must have cloven hooves and chew their cud, such as cows and sheep. Fish must have fins and scales to be kosher.

• Prohibited Foods: Certain foods, including pork and shellfish, are strictly forbidden. Additionally, meat from animals that do not meet kosher criteria is not allowed.

2. MEAT AND DAIRY SEPARATION

• No Mixing: One of the fundamental principles of kashrut is the separation of meat and dairy products. This means that kosher meat cannot be eaten with dairy products, and separate utensils and dishes are usually used for each.

3. RITUAL SLAUGHTER

• Shechita: Animals must be slaughtered in a specific manner called shechita, performed by a trained individual known as a shochet. This method is designed to minimize the animal's suffering.

4. CERTIFICATION

• Kosher Symbols: Many packaged foods display a kosher certification symbol, indicating they have been inspected and deemed kosher by a reliable authority. Common symbols include OU (Orthodox Union) and OK.

5. PROCESSING AND PREPARATION

• Equipment and Utensils: All equipment used in the preparation of kosher food must also be kosher. If utensils have been used for non-kosher food, they must be properly kashered (made kosher) before being used again.

6. Fruits and Vegetables

• Insect Inspection: While fruits and vegetables are generally considered kosher, they must be checked for insects, which are not kosher.

7. Passover Considerations

• Chametz: During Passover, there are additional restrictions regarding leavened bread (chametz). Foods must be specially prepared to be considered kosher for Passover.

In summary, kosher refers to food that complies with Jewish dietary laws. These regulations encompass what foods can be consumed, the method of preparation, and the separation of meat and dairy. Understanding kosher principles is essential for those observing kashrut and contributes to the rich cultural and religious practices within Judaism.