Terefah

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

(Redirected from Treifa)

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

External Links[edit | edit source]

WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD