Kosher is not synonomous with "healthy." That is kosher food is not necessarily healthy food.

kosher salt is salt not ground up as finely as ordinary table salt. It is used in preparing kiosher meat.

p.s.: all salt, and all things naturally occuring are kosher, like fruits, veggies, etc.

if a product says it is kosher, does it mean that it is gluten free as well? thank you

great website.

Worry not so much as what you put into your mouth, but rather what comes out!

James Chapter 3

Can someone please tell me what is kosher salt?

Have a look through a microscope. Drinking water for instance. it is possible to strive to eat kosher, impossible to execute. No matter what. A mental habit.

To "loved1" - you have probably found some web sites by now, but other resources are at the local temple. You could ask the Rabbi, or almost anyone who is heavily involved with the temple. A member of the Sisterhood should also be helpful. On the other hand, why not ask the people for whom you are cooking? They probably know you're not Jewish, and the laws of kashrut are interpreted so differently by different people. Ask them what rules they follow.

To "tammy123" - Yogurt, being an animal product, would have to be certified to be kosher. Sugar and berries, on the other hand, as plants, are automatically kosher. However, if someone keeps strict kosher, the fruit will have to be examined and washed (first in salted, then unsalted water) before eating since it may be contaminated by bugs or even bird droppings, etc.

Religion sucks! But Kosher makes sense. Did you know that swine/pig/boar and humans can easily transmit diseases and virus to each other. Yep, we can sicken a pig and vice versa. That is why I like the idea of Kosher abattoirs. No chance of any piggy germs or blood coming in contact with my meats.

hello i am starting a new job cooking for a Jewish family, but i have done some studies on how kosher works, but don't quite understand it. i don't really understand how to prepare their meals and how to serve them. i don't want to disrespect them but i am afraid to make a mistake, can someone help me or at least point me to the right website.

please help me!

What is the difference in the front and back of beef in kosher eating?

Entomophagy is the practice of eating insects. In Leviticus 11:22, according to the King James translation, it was written: "Even these of them you may eat; the locust after his kind, and the bald locust after his kind, and the beetle after his kind, and the grasshopper after his kind." This may sound like a very odd albeit I believe potentially pertinent question, but does this make locusts, grasshoppers, crickets, etc "kosher" as in legitimate to eat under G-d's word or does the translation simply refer and recognize in an anthropological as opposed to a religious sense that certain insects, such as the locust as a food source in former times? After all it is plentiful in protein and calcium. I'm hopeful my question is clear enough to warrant a response. Thank you for any feedback.

Can eggs and chicken be served together?

I have been working in a Jewish home for 9 years, and I an very sad that such unhealthy things as soda and other chemical laden, processed "food" are actually labeled Kosher. It is mind-buggling that a Rabbi has to be present during the preparation if these foods, and that this Rabbi is actually allowing the food to be treated in such unnatural ways. I am convinced that God would have prohibited the use of chemicals in the original kosher laws. I guess the contemporary rule is "if it was not prohibited, then it's OK" Don't trust the food just because it says "Kosher" or "organic"; read the label and trust your conscience because that is God speaking directly to you. -chemical-free

I must say, washing utensils used for different things in separate bins, as well as drying them on different racks is plain silly. Obviously they are worried about contamination which would give the impression that the items were not washed clean to begin with.

Kosher is an interesting idea but some of the practices do not make sense. Kosher ideals frequently conflict with each other as many people have mentioned here. The only thing Kosher has over organic is ethical treatment of animals, all other conflicts between the two (like only eating the front have of a cow) is plain wasteful and unintelligent.

What makes a pickle kosher? Pickles are made by boiling cucumbers in salt. To be kosher *style* there has to be garlic too. "Sometimes, the brine is emulsified with polysorbates, which are made from animal fat." For commercially made pickles to be considered kosher a rabbi has to inspect and bless the pickling facility and conduct periodic inspections. www_wisegeek_com/what-makes-a-pickle-kosher_htm

Ingredients in an online kosher (style?) pickle recipe

* 9 oz water

* 5 oz. white vinegar

* 1/4 tsp sugar

* 2 dill heads and stems or equivalent

* 1 large clove garlic

* 1 onion (about the size of a golf ball)

* 1 tbsp Kosher salt

Kosher food is organic and humane. The animal only eating what it would normally eat if it was wild and not experiencing pain or suffering in any way from being domesticated, even the act of killing it has to without suffering. Any domesticated animal; pets, guards, workers, is to be treated with respect and consideration.

Aside from treating food animals humanely, when they are in pain or fear or diseased their body makes chemicals. Would you want to eat pain, fear or disease?

"Some Jews eat food that is not kosher." Many people negotiate with their beliefs.

'This does not make sense.' I see something like that written here several times. Religious rules do not have to be logical and are often confusing or contradictory.

Intentions and making a sincere effort to abide by your beliefs and laws are what matters. Life is not perfect, clean and unclean mix and blend despite our best efforts. Who can stop the tiniest bit of unclean from floating in on a breeze or with the water, who can even see such a thing if is is so small? Everything mixes with everything else to some degree. Making a sincere effort to be kosher and keeping your intentions kosher is where the line has to be drawn.

Kosher is just food, but clean, fit and appropriate apply to your thoughts, feelings, actions and the consequences of your actions. Keep your goals and intentions fresh and focused in your mind and soul to stay on the right path.

No there is no pork that is kosher. Pork is not allowed. Pickles are labeled Kosher because that is a Brand Name of Pickles. Basically "Kosher" is a company that makes the pickles.

I really don't know much about kosher. But I think it would be hard to give up pork.

In response to anon20292, The knives that were used in those videos were not the same that we Jews use. The strict guidelines require that the animal is killed by a single cut across the throat to a precise depth, severing both carotid arteries, both jugular veins, both vagus nerves, the trachea and the esophagus, no higher than the epiglottis and no lower than where cilia begin inside the trachea, causing the animal to bleed to death; This ensures the animal dies instantly without unnecessary suffering.

The knife used is extremely long and sharp, and is checked every time before and after use for nicks or anything that would tear the meat (rather then slitting it), which would cause pain. If I remember correctly, a lot of the time the animal is rendered unconscious by this if they don't die immediately. We also don't hoist them up in the air like most US butchers do, since that would cause pain and fear.

Judaism has always treated animals well, since we are commanded by G-d to take care of the Earth and its creatures.

I had many of the same questions on kosher and organic foods... humane and organic- Organic foods are not the same as kosher foods. Organic foods are raised without animal by-products, hormones, antibiotics,etc. Organic produce has no chemical pesticides or growth additives and are not genetically modified.

From reading the blogs, articles, etc.. I have gleamed that kosher foods cannot be given antibiotics, hormones and cannot be fed animal by-products. The animal must be slaughtered by kosher law which seems more 'humane' in poultry as the birds neck appears to be wrung before its throat is cut. Cows I have some questions on- I have seen PETA videos that show a kosher butcher gone bad (in a sense)...but the 'stunning' of an animal in conventional slaughter houses does not always stun the animal before it is strung up and sent on the slaughter line.

I do like the fact that the animals (in an organic and humane sense) must be disease free. Kosher meats are produced in smaller batches than conventional non-kosher meats due to the labor intensiveness in making the meat kosher- removal of blood, veins, etc. If one is really looking at what type of meats to buy- look for ones that are certified kosher and organic- one can find these specialty markets on the web.

As far as what pigs eat- pigs are actually one of the cleanest animals- when placed in small stys the animal is given the bad wrap- like some rodents, pigs will keep *one* area of their living space for their waste disposal. Pigs are omnivores like humans. Chickens will peck eachother, but it is uncommon that they will eat eachother unless the animal is overcrowded and without enough food. (Chickens will also 'eat' eggs if they have been given eggshell in their food).

Pork nowadays is free from most disease in high grade meat packing. All food has some sort of food borne pest and disease that must be watched for.

If you really want to know what you are eating- go to a local farm and see how the animals are cared for. It's better for the earth and national economy- meat is often butchered locally (within a short drive from the farm) and the meat is not brought in from overseas or other countries which do not have the higher standards of the USDA. (Look in your meat cases at your local market- beef from Canada- where mad cow disease has been found- no offense to Canadian beef growers).

As almost 70% or greater products on grocery store shelves show some marking of kosher certification one does not keep kosher to appear more enlightened or better than those who don't. Pepsi and Coke have markings as do most cookies, crackers and processed foods.

Eat local or go meatless if one is really worried about what your food is going through.

BTW first time poster who has had many of the same questions that came up here. I have also seen many Jewish individuals who do not keep kosher - they eat shrimp and lobster.

i'm studying Kosher at the moment and I have to take something in to the class, whats easy to take and able to be eaten at the lesson. (e.g not meat) lol. got any ideas??

please help. thx

Gelatin is not kosher, as it may contain collagen derivatives from several different animals.

Is jelly kosher?

what's the difference between kosher and organic foods? aren't they the same?

Prawns and pigs eat feces and the Jewish are God's people... God is always right. Kashrut is God's word, is it not? And eating kosher is not a family tradition. It's a way of life.

Religious practices like this made sense. 2000 years ago when no one understood anything about science. So in conclusion lets not even begin to have a conversation where a discussion of religious activities involves a phrase like "That comment of yours is very prejudiced and has no place in an area where rationality is to be considered." Since there is nothing rational about thinking something is true just because it is a family tradition to do so. My family believes in Santa Claus that doesn't mean its rational. Lol

I am just a person studying kosher for what it is, and I know that it is a good way of life. As I read anon 20292's comment, I am rather shocked... Kosher food is better than normal food. Do you know what Prawns and Pigs eat?

kosher pickles, regardless to terminology, mean that there is garlic in the pickling juice.

anon20292 , you are wrong. Many foods made in America are Kosher made, simply because the dietary practice is VERY sanitary. That comment of yours is very prejudice and has no place in an area where rationality is to be considered.

Iam a Hindu from India and a strict Vegetarian. Lucky for us, we don't have any rules as such for our diet. so..no problems at all !!

ok idk if all the anons are the same person, but either way, im surprised by the amount of knowledge you have about Kashrut (Kosher laws). To answer some of your questions, kosher animals are slaughtered as painlessly as possible, they are not given any hormones, preservatives, etc. There is no such thing as kosher pork, not all tuna is kosher, but the law with kosher fish is that it must have scales and fins and the when the scales are pealed, the skin under it must not tear. I dont think that i answered all of your questions but if you have anymore, please ask.

I'm a Christian who happens to have a lot of compassion for animals. I'm no animal rights activist, and God does give us animals to eat...but I am really disgusted by the way animals are being treated in factory farms, and have become vegetarian because of it. But someone told me I should eat kosher meat because they treat their animals better. But apparently they slit their throats without stunning them first? Is this really painless? How can I be sure they really do it that quickly and correctly? I've seen videos of animals getting their throats slit and writhing and crying in pain for a long time afterward. How do I know this is not going on at kosher farms? After all it is very hard to treat each animal properly when you have so many to kill in such a small time. Also, are animals crammed in small cages and crates at kosher farms?

In Islam the same concept is present with "Halal" food. That's why as a Muslim I feel more comfortable eating in a Jewish restaurant ...

no according to the Jewish law and Christian law in the old testament in the book of Leviticus it says that the swine (pigs) does not chew the cud. its flesh is un-clean and you should not eat the flesh or or touch its carcass because it is un-clean. pigs carry round worm, hook worm and the most dangerous tape worm.

The pig is the best scavenger known to man. It can eat almost anything, even feces. I can't stand to look at it, let alone smell it! It is the most filthiest, bacteria-laden, worm-infested creature I know.

I think many people eat kosher food just because it separates them from the majority of people, which makes them feel special, which I think is the reason why they chose to be kosher in the first place - to feel special and be in everybody's face about it, like everybody who isn't kosher is not as sophisticated as they are. I think being kosher is stupid unless you are really into Judaism. Other then being a part of religion Kashrut is pointless.

Have allergy to hormones, antibiotics, preservatives. Does kosher meat have these things in them?

Is gelatin considered to be Kosher or non Kosher?

Tammy123 - All foods that come from the earth, like fruits and vegetables are kosher. Animal and animal products (like yogurt) must be produced in adherence to kashrut (kosher dietary laws).

pickles are labeled kosher if they are prepared in the presence of a rabbi

lol, anon147 you think pickles being labeled is a weird thing, if you go to Israel the glue on the back of postage stamps is Certified Kosher!

is plain yogurt, sugar, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries something jewish people can eat?

why is kosher food only jewish??

To the one who asked about the humane treatment of animals: Yes. The prohibition of 'tzaar baalei chayim' does not allow cruel or inhumane treatment of animals whether kosher or non-kosher. I'm not sure if the prohibition is biblical or rabbinic though.

Does Kosher law give instruction for the humane treatment of food animals?

Regarding the post on 24 june 2007:

"The rule about fish and meat together has nothing to do with kashrut, but was a recommendation by some ancient rabbis."

Actually, this is not entirely true. It IS from the Rabbis however, that there is an obligation in the Torah to listen to the Rabbis and therefore, if one doesn't listen to the Rabbis, he is inherently not listening to the Torah.

what is the difference between kosher and organic and can kosher foods be both?

Did you know some varies of "tuna" are skin fish - no scales.

What about chicken is Kosher - they don't fly - they "hop". They eat each other - dead or alive also.

The rule about fish and meat together has nothing to do with kashrut, but was a recommendation by some ancient rabbis. Fish and meat are usually not eaten together, because they are two different options for the main part of the meal. It is not a steadfast rule.

Since eating pork is not condoned by Jewish tradition, there is no such thing as kosher pork. On the other hand, many of my favorite pork products come in turkey versions (hot dogs, bacon, sausage), which may be kosher.

Is there ANY pork that is kosher??

Why are pickles labled kosher?