Kosher meals refer to foods prepared according to Jewish dietary laws (kashrut). Biblically, as referenced from the book of Leviticus chapter eleven, there are certain conditions that have to be met for the food to be considered clean. A kosher food combined with a non-kosher or the derivative becomes unclean. The meaning of kashrut has evolved over time due to dynamic changes in the Jewish tradition, the food industry and the world culture as a whole.
The Jewish community has extensively interacted with other cultures across the world and have borrowed a number of foreign practices. As such the variety of foods eaten has increased tremendously. There has been a similar effect on the traditions of communities that have mingled with the Jews. Muslims, for instance, have adopted some of the Kosher practices by interacting with the Jews. The definition of clean and unclean foodstuffs according to Islamic teaching bears close resemblance to that of the Jews.
Reasons as why the principles of kashrut should be strictly observed are not known. The Jews only observe them because the law says so and they can not dispute the law. However, some have argued that the laws are designed as a call to purity. Besides, observance to these laws gives the Jews a form of identity.
The law as stated in the book of Leviticus approves the consumption of meat from animals that chew cud and have hoof that is split. If any of these conditions is not met, then the animal in question is deemed unfit for consumption. It is also unlawful to handle the carcases of these animals. Examples of animals regarded as being unclean include camels, hyrax, rabbits and pigs.
A number of sea creatures, some birds and insects are not to be eaten as well. This list includes all the sea animals that do not have fins and scales. The birds that are considered unclean include eagles, owls, vultures and kites amongst others. A special category is that of winged creatures that can hop on the ground. These include locusts, katydids and grasshoppers.
Despite Jewish dietary laws having a biblical origin, these laws have been edited by different teachers of the law. Apart from meat, all other products of the earlier mentioned unclean animals were made illegal. These were milk, eggs and their derivatives such as cheese. Milk obtained from a kosher animal considered clean. Some Jews regard eggs obtained from a clean bird as unclean if blood is found anywhere within the egg, implying that hatching must have started.
According to some rabbinical authorities, food prepared by non Jews should be regarded unclean. An exception to this rule is the Christians who are not taken as non Jews hence food made by them can be eaten. The method of slaughtering also matters for the meat to be treated as appropriate. Teachers of the law recommend humane methods.
In the modern world, restaurants that serve kosher meals have to consult with rabbinic leaders so that whatever is prepared is duly approved for consumption. The leaders check the foods to ensure that they meet the required standards before releasing them for consumption. The foods carry with them a certain mark of approval (the kosher certification label).
The Jewish community has extensively interacted with other cultures across the world and have borrowed a number of foreign practices. As such the variety of foods eaten has increased tremendously. There has been a similar effect on the traditions of communities that have mingled with the Jews. Muslims, for instance, have adopted some of the Kosher practices by interacting with the Jews. The definition of clean and unclean foodstuffs according to Islamic teaching bears close resemblance to that of the Jews.
Reasons as why the principles of kashrut should be strictly observed are not known. The Jews only observe them because the law says so and they can not dispute the law. However, some have argued that the laws are designed as a call to purity. Besides, observance to these laws gives the Jews a form of identity.
The law as stated in the book of Leviticus approves the consumption of meat from animals that chew cud and have hoof that is split. If any of these conditions is not met, then the animal in question is deemed unfit for consumption. It is also unlawful to handle the carcases of these animals. Examples of animals regarded as being unclean include camels, hyrax, rabbits and pigs.
A number of sea creatures, some birds and insects are not to be eaten as well. This list includes all the sea animals that do not have fins and scales. The birds that are considered unclean include eagles, owls, vultures and kites amongst others. A special category is that of winged creatures that can hop on the ground. These include locusts, katydids and grasshoppers.
Despite Jewish dietary laws having a biblical origin, these laws have been edited by different teachers of the law. Apart from meat, all other products of the earlier mentioned unclean animals were made illegal. These were milk, eggs and their derivatives such as cheese. Milk obtained from a kosher animal considered clean. Some Jews regard eggs obtained from a clean bird as unclean if blood is found anywhere within the egg, implying that hatching must have started.
According to some rabbinical authorities, food prepared by non Jews should be regarded unclean. An exception to this rule is the Christians who are not taken as non Jews hence food made by them can be eaten. The method of slaughtering also matters for the meat to be treated as appropriate. Teachers of the law recommend humane methods.
In the modern world, restaurants that serve kosher meals have to consult with rabbinic leaders so that whatever is prepared is duly approved for consumption. The leaders check the foods to ensure that they meet the required standards before releasing them for consumption. The foods carry with them a certain mark of approval (the kosher certification label).
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