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what is kosher laws
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Kosher laws, known as kashrut (from the Hebrew "kasher," meaning fit or proper), refer to the set of dietary laws that govern what is permissible for Jews to eat and how food must be prepared and consumed according to Jewish law. These laws are derived from the Torah, particularly from the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy, and have been interpreted and expanded upon by rabbinic authorities over centuries. Here are some key aspects of kosher laws:
1. **Permissible Animals**: Only certain animals are considered kosher. For land animals, they must have cloven hooves and chew their cud (e.g., cows, sheep). Fish must have fins and scales to be considered kosher (e.g., salmon, herring), while most birds are permitted, except for specific species that are forbidden (e.g., ravens, vultures).
2. **Slaughtering (Shechita)**: Animals must be slaughtered in a specific manner called shechita, which is intended to minimize suffering. This involves a swift cut to the throat with a sharp knife by a trained individual known as a shochet.
3. **Forbidden Parts**: Certain parts of permitted animals are not kosher, such as the sciatic nerve and certain fats (chelev). Additionally, blood is prohibited, so meat must be salted and soaked to remove traces of blood.
4. **Separation of Meat and Dairy**: One of the most well-known aspects of kosher laws is the prohibition of mixing meat and dairy. This includes not only eating these foods together but also using separate utensils, dishes, and cooking equipment for meat and dairy products.
5. **Kosher Certification**: Processed foods and beverages must have a reliable kosher certification (hechsher) if they are to be considered kosher. This certification indicates that the product complies with kosher laws.
6. **Wine and Grape Juice**: These beverages must come from Jewish producers to be considered kosher, as they have special ritual significance in Jewish tradition.
7. **Blessings and Intent**: Certain blessings (berachot) must be recited before consuming food, reflecting gratitude and awareness of God’s provision.
8. **Passover (Pesach)**: During Passover, additional dietary restrictions apply, particularly against chametz (leavened bread and products). Only matzah (unleavened bread) and other specially prepared foods may be consumed.
Observance of kosher laws can vary among Jewish communities, with some strictly adhering to all aspects while others may follow a more lenient approach.
1. **Permissible Animals**: Only certain animals are considered kosher. For land animals, they must have cloven hooves and chew their cud (e.g., cows, sheep). Fish must have fins and scales to be considered kosher (e.g., salmon, herring), while most birds are permitted, except for specific species that are forbidden (e.g., ravens, vultures).
2. **Slaughtering (Shechita)**: Animals must be slaughtered in a specific manner called shechita, which is intended to minimize suffering. This involves a swift cut to the throat with a sharp knife by a trained individual known as a shochet.
3. **Forbidden Parts**: Certain parts of permitted animals are not kosher, such as the sciatic nerve and certain fats (chelev). Additionally, blood is prohibited, so meat must be salted and soaked to remove traces of blood.
4. **Separation of Meat and Dairy**: One of the most well-known aspects of kosher laws is the prohibition of mixing meat and dairy. This includes not only eating these foods together but also using separate utensils, dishes, and cooking equipment for meat and dairy products.
5. **Kosher Certification**: Processed foods and beverages must have a reliable kosher certification (hechsher) if they are to be considered kosher. This certification indicates that the product complies with kosher laws.
6. **Wine and Grape Juice**: These beverages must come from Jewish producers to be considered kosher, as they have special ritual significance in Jewish tradition.
7. **Blessings and Intent**: Certain blessings (berachot) must be recited before consuming food, reflecting gratitude and awareness of God’s provision.
8. **Passover (Pesach)**: During Passover, additional dietary restrictions apply, particularly against chametz (leavened bread and products). Only matzah (unleavened bread) and other specially prepared foods may be consumed.
Observance of kosher laws can vary among Jewish communities, with some strictly adhering to all aspects while others may follow a more lenient approach.
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why did kasher law different in various country