What is Kosher?

In most germanic languages the word “kosher” is used very often and a common word. In German for example, something that is not kosher, is something that is not trusted in or does not seem to be right. On the other hand most people seem to have heard, that kosher has something to do with eating rules in Judaism, but do not know many further details. In fact the word means in hebrew “clean” and “pure”. Jews, though, do not only use the term “kosher” in connection with their eating rules. So the question is, what does a Jew mean when about talking about this purity? In order to understand the eating rules better, we first need to look at a part of the jewish religious philosophy.

Compared to Christianity Jews do not have any kind of asceticism. That means there is no celibacy in Judaism. They do not have monasteries or monks. In Judaism everything is seen as a gift given to us by God. Jews try to enjoy these gifts by making them holy thrugh certain rules. Jews try to make things, which are part of the human nature and which are done everyday, holy and something special. They do not only do this in order to serve God, but also to draw a line between humans and animals. The rules for a kosher living help Jews to make common things holy in everyday life.

Table of Contents

• INTRODUCTION.
• KOSHER RULES
  • Meat
  • Dairy
  • Parve
  • Wine
  • Separation of meat and dairy
    • Kosherizing
    • Passover
  • Schechita
    • At home
• CONCLUSION

Objectives and Key Themes

This paper explores the meaning and significance of "kosher" in Judaism, delving into the eating rules and their underlying religious philosophy. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the concept of purity and its relevance to everyday Jewish life.

• The concept of purity in Jewish philosophy and its application beyond food.
• The specific rules governing kosher meat and dairy consumption.
• The role of the Torah and rabbinical interpretations in defining kosher practices.
• The historical and cultural context surrounding kosher practices.
• The relationship between kosher rules and spiritual purity.

Chapter Summaries

• Introduction: This chapter introduces the concept of "kosher" and its multifaceted meanings, particularly within the context of Jewish dietary practices. It also explores the religious philosophy behind kosher rules, contrasting Jewish beliefs with Christian asceticism.
• Kosher Rules: This chapter delves into the specific rules governing kosher food and drink. It addresses the categories of kosher meat, dairy, and parve foods, explaining the distinctions and guidelines associated with each. It also examines the separation of meat and dairy and the practice of kosherizing.

Keywords

The key terms and concepts explored in this paper include kosher, purity, Jewish philosophy, dietary laws, Torah, rabbinical interpretations, meat, dairy, parve, separation of meat and dairy, kosherizing, Schechita, and spiritual purity.

Details

• College: Ruhr-University of Bochum
• Course: Jewish Immigrant Culture & Literature
• Grade: 1,7
• Author: Sarah Kirsch (Author)
• Publication Year: 2004
• Pages: 9
• Catalog Number: V72454
• ISBN (eBook): 9783638690065
• ISBN (Book): 9783668397347
• Language: English
• Tags: What Kosher Jewish Immigrant Culture Literature