Kosher

Kosher refers to the set of Jewish dietary laws that dictate what foods can be consumed and how those foods must be prepared according to Jewish law. The term "kosher" is derived from the Hebrew root "kasher," which means to be pure, proper, or suitable for consumption. The laws of kosher are primarily found in the Torah, specifically in the books of Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

Biblical Origins

The biblical dietary laws are detailed in the Torah. Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 list the types of animals considered permissible and forbidden. For instance, land animals must have cloven hooves and chew their cud to be kosher. Seafood must have fins and scales. Birds of prey are forbidden, and there are specific lists of permissible and non-permissible birds.

Dietary Laws

The kosher dietary laws are comprehensive and cover three main areas: the types of animals that can be eaten, the prohibition against consuming blood, and the separation of milk and meat.

Allowed Animals

Only certain animals are considered kosher. These include:

• Certain mammals that chew their cud and have split hooves, such as cows, sheep, and goats.
• Certain fish, specifically those with fins and scales.
• Certain birds; the exact species are listed in the Torah.

Prohibition of Blood

Consuming blood is strictly forbidden under kosher laws. This is based on the verse in Leviticus 17:12, which states that no blood shall be eaten. To comply with this, kosher meat must be salted and soaked to remove any remaining blood.

Separation of Milk and Meat

Mixing milk and meat is prohibited based on the interpretation of the biblical injunction not to "cook a kid in its mother's milk." This has led to the development of separate sets of dishes, utensils, and preparation areas for milk and meat in kosher kitchens.

Kosher Certification

Due to the complexity of these laws, kosher certification agencies exist to certify products, manufacturers, and food establishments as compliant with kosher standards. These agencies employ trained inspectors who verify that kosher laws are adhered to in the production process.

Cultural and Contemporary Significance

Kosher foods have become synonymous with quality and cleanliness, appealing to both Jewish and non-Jewish consumers. The kosher market has expanded globally, and kosher-certified products are widely available.

See Also

• Kashrut
• Halakha
• Jewish cuisine