What exactly makes something Kosher? It is NOT the Rabbi blessing the food, nor is it because of a non-Kosher restaurant (e.g. McDonalds) naming a dish after a Yiddish word.
Kosher foods are those that conform to the regulations of the Jewish Halakhic framework. These rules form the main aspect of kashrut, Jewish dietary laws. The most revealing response to those who maintain that kashrut is for health is to look at the traditional staples of European Jewish cuisine -- chopped liver, fried chicken skin and a Shabbat stew. A food can be kosher and a first class ticket to a heart attack
Basically a trained professional from a certification organization is hired to inspect the ingredients in certain foods and he will stamp the food with a hekhsher, certifying the Kosher level and the certification.
It is NOT the Rabbi blessing the food, Health food, Organic or any other popular misconception. It is however a set of biblical dietary guidelines followed by people of the Jewish faith, Moslems and other Christian groups such as Seventh Day Adventists.
Eating kosher food also means you are less exposed to food-related bacteria or diseases. Kosher slaughtering rituals also lead to healthier meat. According to kosher law, the slaughtering of an animal must be immediate and painless. This means that the animal will feel no fear, and therefore will not release a hormone linked to fear. Kosher food may also be a healthier option for you if your family has a lot of dietary restrictions or allergies to contend with.
Everything in life has a cost. The only question is if one believes that the payoff is worth the investment. A person is going to do what a person believes is in his/her best interest.
For more on defining "Kosher", please check out our other blog posts in this series.
|
Print Friendly
Add Comment
Send To Friend
