Kosher

 

Kosher refers to the dietary laws that are observed by Jews. These laws outline which foods are permitted to be eaten and how they must be prepared, according to the teachings of the Torah.

 

The basic principles of kosher are as follows:

 

Only certain animals are permitted to be eaten, and they must be slaughtered in a specific way. Land animals must have split hooves and chew their cud, such as cows, sheep, and goats. Poultry, such as chickens and ducks, are also permitted. Fish must have fins and scales, such as salmon, trout, and halibut. Shellfish and other seafood are not kosher.

 

Meat and dairy products must not be mixed. This means that meat and dairy products must be prepared and eaten at separate times, and they must not be cooked or served together.

 

All utensils, pots, and pans must be kept separate for meat and dairy products.

 

Wine and other alcoholic beverages must be produced by Jews, or at least overseen by Jews, in order to be considered kosher.

 

Overall, the kosher laws are a set of dietary guidelines that are followed by Jews as a way to observe the teachings of the Torah and to maintain a sense of holiness in their lives.

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Kosher food

Eating Kosher food enables us to identify with our Jewishness on a very basic and fundamental level. As long as our Jewish involvement is limited to prayer, study, or even specific ritual acts, it is spiritual, above our normal day to day reality. When you eat differently because you are Jewish your commitment is not only metaphysical, but part and parcel of your very being.

The observance of Kashrut consists of eating only Kosher foods both at home and away from home. It also entails not eating dairy and meat foods together and maintaining separate dishes, cutlery, and utensils for meat and dairy.

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Kashrut: Encouraging Jews to observe kashrut (Jewish dietary laws)

 

Kashrut, or Jewish dietary laws, is an important aspect of Jewish life and is seen as a way to fulfill the biblical commandment to "be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy" (Leviticus 19:2). Kashrut involves following specific guidelines for what can and cannot be eaten, how food is prepared and consumed, and how it is treated in the home and in the broader community.

 

The main principles of kashrut are the prohibition of consuming certain animals and the separation of dairy and meat products. According to Jewish tradition, certain animals, such as pigs and shellfish, are considered to be unclean and are not to be consumed. Dairy and meat products are also to be kept separate, with a waiting period between eating meat and consuming dairy products. Additionally, all food must be prepared in accordance with specific guidelines, including the use of separate utensils and the proper slaughter of animals.

 

In the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, encouraged Jews to observe kashrut as a way to fulfill the biblical commandment and to connect to the Jewish tradition. The Rebbe emphasized the importance of kashrut and encouraged Jews to make it a meaningful and integral part of their lives.

 

Overall, kashrut is an important aspect of Jewish life and is seen as a way to fulfill the biblical commandment to "be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy." It involves following specific guidelines for what can and cannot be eaten, how food is prepared and consumed, and how it is treated in the home and in the broader community. It is an important way to connect to the Jewish tradition and to observe the biblical commandment to "be holy."

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