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What is Kosher?

 

A short history lesson for our friends to understand Kosher!

About three thousand years ago a group of slaves were miraculously freed from bondage in Egypt. Among them were prophets who heard the voice of G-d. The greatest of these prophets was Moses, who taught the people G-d’s will and whose prophecies were verified when the entire group heard the voice of G-d speak the Ten Commandments. Included in Moses’ teachings were rituals, observances, and limitations related to food. These people were sanctified by restricting and defining what they could eat.

You may have guessed that the ex-slaves in this story are the Israelites, and their story is told in the Torah- the first five books of the Bible. Today the remnants of the Israelites are called Jews, and many Jews today still adhere to the dietary laws laid down in the Bible, as interpreted and expanded by the Sages of Israel. Kosher is the English equivalent of the word KASHER which in Hebrew means correct or proper or acceptable. When a food is called “Kosher” it means that is prepared in accordance with Jewish Law so that it may be eaten by Jews.

 

Kinds of Kosher

 

1) ANIMAL KOSHER

Most of the limitations of kosher food relate to the eating of animals. Life is sacred and cannot be taken indiscriminately. Only a few of the myriad forms of life on the planet may be consumed. Hence majority of animals are NEVER kosher such as pork and shellfish. Those that are must be properly slaughtered. Blood may not be consumed, as also some internal organs. Meat will be Kosher only if it comes from the right kind of life form and has been properly processed. Some kinds of milk and cheese may also be forbidden depending on its source.

2) MEAT AND MILK KOSHER

While meat and milk may be in of themselves Kosher, once they are combined the resultant mix is totally forbidden. A processed food containing meat or milk will only be Kosher if there are no forbidden combinations.

3) PLANT KOSHER

Although some foods like Fruits and Vegetables are intrinsically kosher always, they could be rendered Non Kosher for a different reason. Fruits, vegetables, grains and pulses grown in the Land of Israel must be tithed properly, otherwise they are not kosher. Most (but not all) restrictions on eating Plant Life pertain only to produce grown in the Land of Israel. Still, there is one way in which fruit and vegetables can be problematic. Jewish law is very serious about not eating insects, which are often plentiful on fresh produce. The inspection procedures for eliminating bugs may be extremely rigorous.

4) SOCIAL KOSHER

As a relatively small group among the many nations of the world, the Israelites have faced the constant invitation to assimilate and loose their unique identity. While very tempting, this would be a betrayal of G-d’s voice. Hence Jewish Law has developed certain practices designed at limiting closeness between Jews and non-Jews. As a result, even if a non-Jew were to prepare an entire Kosher meal, an observant guest would have to decline partaking of this gesture of friendship. It should also be noted that the intent of such laws is not to create disharmony and distrust between neighbors. Peace is also a great value. Therefore such laws usually have some kind of “safety switch” which can be used to circumvent the problem. The important point is not to alienate one’s neighbors, but rather for the Jew to remember his/her unique identity.

5) KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

Every year, in the spring, Jews celebrate the holiday of Passover for about a week. During the holiday of Passover, Jews are commanded not to consume leaven. Leaven is any grain derivative that has come in contact with water and expanded. Needless to say, to be Kosher for Passover, a product will be subject to even more restrictions than is usual all year.