What does Kosher mean?

"Kosher", in Hebrew, means fit or proper, and is generally used to describe foods that are prepared in accordance with special Jewish dietary laws.

The source of all Kosher dietary laws is the Bible, in the Five Books of Moses (the Pentateuch). The Bible details which forms of meat, fowl, fish and insects are not Kosher. In addition, Jewish scholars have studied, interpreted and applied Kosher law for many centuries. Thousands of volumes have been written about this topic. Many of these books date back as far as two thousand years ago. This vast array of Biblical and Rabbinic literature comprises the body of Kosher law.

Coming soon - Online Biblical texts that are the source of Kosher law

What are some examples of non-Kosher foods?

Animals, such as pork, rabbit and horse meat, fowl, such as owl and storch, fish, such as cat fish, eels, shell fish, shrimp and octopus and insects are non-Kosher foods according to Biblical definitions. In addition, Kosher meat and fowl must be slaughtered by a specially trained expert in a painless ritual fashion in order to be acceptable. Dairy and meat products which commingle are not kosher. There are also special laws relating to cheese, grape juice and wine production.

The Jewish people have observed Kosher law for over 3000 years.

Yes. This is because all ingredients and subunits in a product must conform to the dietary laws in order for the food item to be considered Kosher. Even one non-Kosher ingredient can render the entire product unsuitable. Soda may contain a flavor enhancer called castorium which is extracted from beavers. Cookies may contain a non-Kosher emulsifier which is derived from animal fat. Potato chips may be fried in animal oil.

In addition, Kosher food must be processed on Kosher equipment. Equipment used with heat for non-Kosher production is rendered non-Kosher and must be Kosherized (through a special cleaning process of hot water or intense heat) to be fit for Kosher service and use.