There are several religions that regulate what their members can or cannot eat as well as how those dishes should be prepared and consumed. For more than three thousand years, the Jewish faith has had some of the strictest dining restrictions. Partaking of only Kosher meals means that one must have a clear understanding of exactly what that entails.
Derived from the Hebrew word kasher, meaning being acceptable or fit, the term is used to refer to food items that are considered pure enough to be consumed. The qualifications for meeting the criteria of this kind are taken from the Torah, which is the Jewish holy book and considered to be directly delivered by God. Because of this, this type of eating is believed to be the best nourishment for the body and soul.
It should be completely understood that this is not a specific style of cooking such as Chinese, Cajun or French, rather it is a lifestyle choice like vegan or vegetarian, only based on religious beliefs. Most any type of dish can meet the requirements as long as it is prepared according to the rules. In that same respect, typically Jewish items like knishes, bagels and matzoh balls may be rendered unfit if the criteria is not met.
It is also commonly misconstrued that all it takes to deem food as fit is a blessing by a Rabbi. While an ordained individual who is well versed in the requirements of the genre must be present to observe all steps in the process, it is adherence to the word, not prayers that constitutes certification. The praying that is done during preparation and prior to consuming are more to give thanks than anything else.
The concept that one is what one eats is a very basic way of thinking about this type of food preparation. It is believed that a person's body and spirit may take on the various characteristics and traits of the items they consume. Assuring that an individual partakes of only the purest forms of nourishment is the biggest reason the rules are so stringent.
Extremely staunch restrictions are set to determine which meat is approved. Forbidden animals include those that feed on feces or waste product, those consuming the dead as well as any who hunt for food and ingest flesh. Domesticated fowl like ducks, chickens, turkeys and geese, and cattle or game that are both cloven hoofed and that chew cud are all considered as acceptable options.
Animals are slaughtered in a very specific manner designed to be as quick and painless as possible so that the creature feels no undue distress and death does not linger. Only religiously certified butchers may perform the ritual and a Rabbi must always observe the procedure. Only when the process details have been meticulously followed will the meat be deemed acceptable.
There are also conditions set upon other kinds of food. Requirements such as fish must possess both scales and fins, anything of the Earth must be handled in a specific manner from sowing to harvesting, and anything with the slightest amount of dairy must be closely monitored prior to ingesting. Rules are in place for prepping, cooking and serving all edibles as well.
Derived from the Hebrew word kasher, meaning being acceptable or fit, the term is used to refer to food items that are considered pure enough to be consumed. The qualifications for meeting the criteria of this kind are taken from the Torah, which is the Jewish holy book and considered to be directly delivered by God. Because of this, this type of eating is believed to be the best nourishment for the body and soul.
It should be completely understood that this is not a specific style of cooking such as Chinese, Cajun or French, rather it is a lifestyle choice like vegan or vegetarian, only based on religious beliefs. Most any type of dish can meet the requirements as long as it is prepared according to the rules. In that same respect, typically Jewish items like knishes, bagels and matzoh balls may be rendered unfit if the criteria is not met.
It is also commonly misconstrued that all it takes to deem food as fit is a blessing by a Rabbi. While an ordained individual who is well versed in the requirements of the genre must be present to observe all steps in the process, it is adherence to the word, not prayers that constitutes certification. The praying that is done during preparation and prior to consuming are more to give thanks than anything else.
The concept that one is what one eats is a very basic way of thinking about this type of food preparation. It is believed that a person's body and spirit may take on the various characteristics and traits of the items they consume. Assuring that an individual partakes of only the purest forms of nourishment is the biggest reason the rules are so stringent.
Extremely staunch restrictions are set to determine which meat is approved. Forbidden animals include those that feed on feces or waste product, those consuming the dead as well as any who hunt for food and ingest flesh. Domesticated fowl like ducks, chickens, turkeys and geese, and cattle or game that are both cloven hoofed and that chew cud are all considered as acceptable options.
Animals are slaughtered in a very specific manner designed to be as quick and painless as possible so that the creature feels no undue distress and death does not linger. Only religiously certified butchers may perform the ritual and a Rabbi must always observe the procedure. Only when the process details have been meticulously followed will the meat be deemed acceptable.
There are also conditions set upon other kinds of food. Requirements such as fish must possess both scales and fins, anything of the Earth must be handled in a specific manner from sowing to harvesting, and anything with the slightest amount of dairy must be closely monitored prior to ingesting. Rules are in place for prepping, cooking and serving all edibles as well.
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