Terefah

Terefah (also spelled terefah, terefah, or treif) is a term in Judaism that refers to food that is not kosher and therefore not permissible for consumption according to Jewish dietary laws. The term is derived from the Hebrew word "טרפה" (terefah), which means "torn" or "carrion," and originally referred to animals that had been killed by predators or had died of natural causes.

Definition

In the context of kashrut, the set of Jewish dietary laws, terefah specifically refers to animals that have been improperly slaughtered or have certain physical defects that render them unfit for consumption. According to halakha (Jewish law), an animal must be slaughtered in a specific manner known as shechita to be considered kosher. If the animal is not slaughtered according to these rules, it is deemed terefah.

Categories of Terefah

There are several categories of terefah, including:

• **Animals with physical defects**: Animals that have certain physical defects, such as missing organs or broken bones, are considered terefah.
• **Improperly slaughtered animals**: Animals that are not slaughtered according to the rules of shechita are considered terefah.
• **Non-kosher species**: Certain species of animals, such as pigs and shellfish, are inherently non-kosher and are considered terefah.

Historical Context

The concept of terefah has its roots in the Torah, where it is mentioned in several passages. For example, in Exodus 22:30, it is stated, "You shall be holy people to Me; you must not eat flesh torn by beasts in the field; you shall cast it to the dogs." This verse is one of the sources for the prohibition against consuming terefah.

Modern Implications

In modern times, the concept of terefah continues to play a significant role in the observance of kashrut. Kashrut certification agencies inspect and certify food products to ensure they meet the standards of kashrut, including the prohibition against terefah. Observant Jews rely on these certifications to ensure that the food they consume is kosher.

Related Concepts

• Kashrut
• Shechita
• Halakha
• Kosher animals
• Kosher certification

See Also

• Kosher
• Pareve
• Meat and dairy in Jewish law
• Jewish cuisine