Who keeps kosher?

Answer 1

It is following Kashrut, a set of dietary laws (see Deuteronomy ch.14).

* Meat must be from those land animals which have split hooves and chew their cud (such as beef and mutton)
* Fish have to have scales and fins. The kosher diet excludes shellfish.
* Birds cannot be amongst those listed as forbidden in the Torah (Deuteronomy ch.14) and cannot be hunters/scavengers. In actual practice, today we eat only poultry-species concerning which we have a tradition that they're permitted, such as chicken and turkey.
* Animals must be slaughtered in the manner specified by Jewish law and must be free of all disease. In actual practice, those who keep kosher purchase meat which is certified as kosher.
* As much blood as possible must be removed from meat before cooking, since consumption of blood is forbidden (Leviticus ch.17). This is done by the kosher butcher.
* Dairy and meat cannot be combined in the same meal and there's a waiting period between eating one and then the other. After dairy: 1/2 hour. After meat: 6 hours for most Jewish communities.
* Fruits and vegetables should be checked to be sure they're free of bugs. Some Jews avoid cauliflower, asparagus, and the like, because of the difficulty in checking them.
*Additionally, food must be prepared and handled following kashrut-laws and with kosher ingredients only. Any food that does not meet these requirements cannot be eaten by those who are religiously observant. Foods which are purchased should be labeled as having had kosher supervision during their processing.

Answer 2

Because God commanded us to (Deuteronomy ch.14) as part of our covenant with Him. The Torah states that keeping kosher sanctifies us (Leviticus ch.11).

Jewish people keep kosher laws because it is one of the laws within the foundation of the Jewish religion. The laws of kashrut (kosher) were handed down without being given specific reasonings behind each law. For the most part, they are laws to be followed simply because God commanded it so.

The kosher diet was commanded by the creator for our bodily and spiritual well-being. The explanation being like that of a car manufacturer who advises you what type of fuel to use. You may use another one of your choice, but the car will not function as well or last as long.

Answer 3

"Keeping kosher" means to adhere to the dietary laws of Judaism (see Deuteronomy ch.14).
* Meat must be from those land animals which have split hooves and chew their cud (such as beef and mutton)
* Fish have to have scales and fins. The kosher diet excludes shellfish.
* Birds cannot be amongst those listed as forbidden in the Torah (Deuteronomy ch.14) and cannot be hunters/scavengers. In actual practice, today we eat only poultry-species concerning which we have a tradition that they're permitted, such as chicken and turkey.
* Animals must be slaughtered in the manner specified by Jewish law and must be free of all disease. In actual practice, those who keep kosher purchase meat which is certified as kosher.
* As much blood as possible must be removed from meat before cooking, since consumption of blood is forbidden (Leviticus ch.17). This is done by the kosher butcher.
* Dairy and meat cannot be combined in the same meal and there's a waiting period between eating one and then the other. After dairy: 1/2 hour. After meat: 6 hours for most Jewish communities.
* Fruits and vegetables should be checked to be sure they're free of bugs. Some Jews avoid cauliflower, asparagus, and the like, because of the difficulty in checking them.
*Additionally, food must be prepared and handled following kashrut-laws and with kosher ingredients only. Any food that does not meet these requirements cannot be eaten by those who are religiously observant. Foods which are purchased should be labeled as having had kosher supervision during their processing.

Answer 4

The literal meaning of the word kosher is 'fit'. Food that has been prepared following the laws of kashrut (Jewish dietary laws) is kosher. When a person eats only kosher food, it is called 'keeping kosher'.

Answer 5

In order to be kosher, food has to be prepared according to the kosher-laws.

* Land animals must have split hooves and chew their cud.

* Fish have to have scales and fins.

* Birds cannot be amongst those listed as forbidden in the Torah (Deuteronomy ch.14) and cannot be hunters/scavengers.

* Animals must be killed in a specific manner and must be free of all disease.

* As much blood as possible must be removed from meat, since consumption of blood is forbidden (Leviticus ch.17).

* Dairy and meat cannot be combined in the same meal and there's a waiting period between eating one and then the other.

* Fruits and vegetables should be checked to be sure they're free of bugs. Some Jews avoid cauliflower, asparagus, and the like, because of the difficulty in checking them.

Additionally, food must be prepared and handled following kashrut-laws and with kosher ingredients only. Any food that does not meet these requirements cannot be eaten by those who are religiously observant. Foods which are purchased should be labeled as having had kosher supervision during their processing.

Answer 6

The literal meaning of kosher is 'fit'. When kosher is used in reference to food, it means that the food was prepared following the laws of 'kashrut' and is fit to be eaten by religious Jews.

Answer 7

Mostly Orthodox Jews. Some Conservative Jews too.

Answer 8

Because God commanded us to (Deuteronomy ch.14) as part of our covenant with Him. The Torah states that keeping kosher sanctifies us (Leviticus ch.11).