QandAs: Food

What is Kosher food?

Answer:
Kosher is a term used for food that is prepared and consumed following the strict dietary guidelines of the Jewish faith.

Along with the preparation and eating of food, there are also certain animals that are considered kosher

and are acceptable to eat. The Torah specifies that animals that chew their own cud and have cloven (divided) hooves are acceptable to eat. Animals like cow, deer, sheep, goat, and bison are acceptable to those who follow a kosher diet. Of the water inhabitants anything with fins and scales is considered kosher which means that lobster, shellfish and shrimp or any shellfish should be avoided. Birds of prey and other fowl are also given the okay.

The slaughtering of kosher animals is probably the most important aspect of kosher eating. Animals must not have died of natural causes or have any illnesses to be considered acceptable for consuming. An animal is handled by someone who is trained to perform a slaughter that is painless, humane and that allows the animal to drain all its blood. The consumption of blood is strictly prohibited.

Another widely known aspect of kosher eating is the practice of keeping meat and dairy separate whether through the actual partaking of, on the plate, the utensils used to prepare the food and even in the cleaning of the pots, pans, and dishes. Kosher households will have two sets of kitchen utensils to ensure that meat and dairy stay apart.

For a deeper look into keeping kosher visit: http://www.jewfaq.org/kashrut.htm