KOSHER
What is Kosher ?
The word "kosher" means "fit" in Hebrew. It refers to the set of Jewish dietary rules from the Torah that guide what foods can be eaten and how they should be prepared. This includes eating only kosher meat and keeping meat and dairy separate.
Basics of Kosher
Only certain animals (and their eggs and milk) are allowed to be eaten, while others, like pork and shellfish, are not. Meat and dairy are never mixed, and separate utensils are used for each, with a waiting period between eating them. Meat must come from animals that are slaughtered in a specific way called shechitah, and some parts of the animal, like the blood, must be removed. Fruits, vegetables, and grains are generally kosher but must be free of insects. Wine and grape juice need to be certified kosher. Since even a small amount of non-kosher food can make something not kosher, processed foods and restaurants need certification from a trusted rabbi or kashrut supervision agency.
Origin and History of Kosher
The kosher laws were given by God to the Israelites in the Sinai Desert. Moses taught these laws to the people, and the basics are written in the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy. Over time, details were passed down and eventually recorded in the Mishnah and Talmud, with rabbis adding rules to protect these laws.
For 4,000 years, keeping kosher has been a key part of Jewish identity. Unlike many religions, Judaism sees holiness in everyday life, not just in religious places or rituals. Following kosher rules shows that even daily activities, like eating, are part of a sacred and uniquely Jewish experience.
What Kosher Means
A mitzvah is a command from God that connects us to Him. We keep kosher because God commanded it, not for other reasons.
Kosher laws have benefits like promoting health, humane treatment of animals, and unity among Jews. Some sages, like Nachmanides, suggest avoiding predator animals so we don’t absorb their traits. But above all, we eat kosher simply because it’s God’s will.
