Difference between revisions of "Kosher"
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'''''Kashrut''''' or '''''kashruth''''', or "'''kosher'''" is the name of the [[Judaism|Jewish]] dietary laws. [[Food]] in accordance with ''halakha'' (Jewish law) is termed '''kosher''' in English, meaning fit for consumption by Jews according to traditional Jewish law. | '''''Kashrut''''' or '''''kashruth''''', or "'''kosher'''" is the name of the [[Judaism|Jewish]] dietary laws. [[Food]] in accordance with ''halakha'' (Jewish law) is termed '''kosher''' in English, meaning fit for consumption by Jews according to traditional Jewish law. | ||
| − | Food that | + | Food products that are not in accordance with Jewish law are named ''trafe''; the Hebrew word refers to animals (from a kosher [[species]] such as [[cattle]] or sheep) which had been either incorrectly slaughtered or mortally wounded by wild animals and therefore were not fit for [[Jewish]] consumption. Among ''Sephardim'', it usually only refers to meat that is not kosher. |
The basic laws of ''kashrut'' are in the [[Torah]]'s Book of [[Leviticus]], with their details set down in the [[Talmud]]. Numerous reasons have been offered for these laws, ranging from philosophical and ritualistic, to practical and hygienic. Although rabbi's will typically tell you that kosher food as being more hygienic than non-kosher food is a misnomer. | The basic laws of ''kashrut'' are in the [[Torah]]'s Book of [[Leviticus]], with their details set down in the [[Talmud]]. Numerous reasons have been offered for these laws, ranging from philosophical and ritualistic, to practical and hygienic. Although rabbi's will typically tell you that kosher food as being more hygienic than non-kosher food is a misnomer. | ||
Revision as of 23:57, May 22, 2007
Kashrut or kashruth, or "kosher" is the name of the Jewish dietary laws. Food in accordance with halakha (Jewish law) is termed kosher in English, meaning fit for consumption by Jews according to traditional Jewish law.
Food products that are not in accordance with Jewish law are named trafe; the Hebrew word refers to animals (from a kosher species such as cattle or sheep) which had been either incorrectly slaughtered or mortally wounded by wild animals and therefore were not fit for Jewish consumption. Among Sephardim, it usually only refers to meat that is not kosher.
The basic laws of kashrut are in the Torah's Book of Leviticus, with their details set down in the Talmud. Numerous reasons have been offered for these laws, ranging from philosophical and ritualistic, to practical and hygienic. Although rabbi's will typically tell you that kosher food as being more hygienic than non-kosher food is a misnomer.
The word kosher in its strictest sense is defined as meaning, "fit", but as in Yiddish it also generally means, authentic, acceptable, permissible, genuine or legitimate.
Further reading
- Binyomen Forst, The Laws of Kashrus, Mozniam, 1999
- Isidore Grunfeld, The Jewish Dietary Laws, London: Soncino, 1972
- Isaac Klein, A Guide to Jewish Religious Practice, JTSA, 1992
- James M. Lebeau, The Jewish Dietary Laws: Sanctify Life, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, New York, 1983
- Yacov Lipschutz, Kashruth: A Comprehensive Background and Reference Guide to the Principles of Kahruth. New York:Mesorah Publications Ltd, 1989
External links
Resources on keeping kosher
- Online resource for keeping Kosher and becoming Kosher certified - The Orthodox Union
- Questions and Answers about specific food products and kashrut in general
- Guide to keeping kosher and Kosher Recipes
- Guide to keeping kosher
- International Kosher Symbols and Kosher Food Guidance
- Kosher Certification
- The Star K's website
- The O-K's website
- A useful guide to the issues of kashrus
Ritual slaughter
- About Shechita: The Method of Animal Slaughter
- Controversy over recent PETA complaint
- Studies on pain during slaughter
- Conservative Judaism viewpoints on which methods should be considered kosher
- Proposed British ban on kosher and halal meat
- Campaign against all ritual slaughter
Miscellaneous
- About Kosher Food: Menus and Recipes
- Kosher.com
- Traditional Kosher foods recipes
- The Torah and vegetarianism
- Second Jewish Encyclopaedia's excerpt on kashrut and Jewish dietary laws
- Kashrut certification agencies (partial list) from around the world, and their symbols which are found on all food that has been deemed kosher.