Kosher

Kosher refers to food that meets the dietary laws of the Jewish faith. Around the time of the Jewish Holidays, many Jews 'keep kosher' and products marked 'Kosher' appear on grocery shelves. Some Jewish people only eat Kosher foods. Some non-Jewish people eat Kosher foods because they believe they are healthier.

About Kosher

The word kosher is used in reference to foods that are approved for consumption within the Jewish faith, for those Jews who 'keep kosher'. The rules regarding diet are called the kashrut. Many of the laws within the kashrut have come from the Torah’s Books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy. To be kosher, the food must be prepared in accordance with the kashrut.

Eating meats that have been torn is prohibited. Therefore butchering must be done in a precise manner to avoid tearing of the flesh. No animal that has died from natural causes, was killed by another animal or is suspected of being diseased may be eaten.

There are specific animals that may not be consumed. Birds of prey and fish-eating birds are not permitted. Animals that live in the water are permitted, but only if they have both scales and fins.

Animals that have cloven hooves and chew cud are also permitted, but if the animal has only one of these properties it is not allowed. These animals are pigs, camels, the hare and the hyrax. Flying, creeping creatures are prohibited with the exception of locusts.

Milk, cheese and eggs from an animal that is kosher should also be considered kosher with the exception of human breast milk. Breast milk, even though it derives from the body of a human (which is not kosher) is permitted to children younger than 4. If a child over the age of 2 ceases drinking breast milk for three consecutive days the breast milk becomes non-kosher to them and they may no longer have it.

There are also some combinations of kosher foods which are not permitted. Fish and meats may never be eaten or cooked together. If one wishes to consume meat after eating fish (or vice versa) the person must wash out their mouth before doing so. It is believed that eating the two together will cause the disease tzaraat which has symptoms similar to leprosy.

All foods must be processed to ensure cleanliness and to be free of insects and other contaminants. This is to also include all fruits and vegetables. Fruits may not come from any tree that is less than 3 years old. Processed foods may not be processed with any animal fats.

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