Food laws
Both the TanakhThe collected 24 books of the Jewish Bible. There are three sections: Torah, Nevi'im and Ketuvim (TaNaKh). May also be spelled Tenakh. and the TalmudA work that is part of rabbinic oral law and made up of the Mishnah and the Gemara (a commentary on the Mishnah). provide guidance for Jews on what can and cannot be eaten. This is known as kashrutIn Judaism, the laws relating to keeping a kosher (fit or proper) home..
Food that can be eaten is known as kosherThe word means fit or proper. Foods permitted by and prepared in accordance with Jewish dietary laws. whereas forbidden food is called trefah (or trief or treyfah)Foods not permitted in Jewish dietary laws. The word means 'torn'.. Most of the laws regarding food come from the book of Deuteronomy:
Kosher and trefah foods
Kosher (approved food) | Trefah (forbidden food) |
Animals that have cloven feet and chew cud | Mammals with no hooves |
Fish with fins and scales | All types of shellfish |
Birds of prey |
Kosher (approved food) | Animals that have cloven feet and chew cud |
---|---|
Trefah (forbidden food) | Mammals with no hooves |
Kosher (approved food) | Fish with fins and scales |
---|---|
Trefah (forbidden food) | All types of shellfish |
Kosher (approved food) | |
---|---|
Trefah (forbidden food) | Birds of prey |
As well as following the guidance above, Jews believe that to be kosher, animals must be slaughtered in a humane way known as shechitahThe term used to refer to the correct method of slaughtering animals for food in Judaism. A sharp knife is used and there must be one cut to the throat of the animal. This can only be practiced by a specially trained person known as a shochet..
Parev
Neutral foods, that can be eaten with either meat or dairy, are called parevIn Jewish food laws, foods considered neutral that can be eaten with either meat or dairy. and these include vegetables, pasta and rice. As long as these are washed thoroughly before eating, no kosher rules will be broken.
Orthodox Jews and food laws
Orthodox JewsJews who live by the Torah and rabbinic law (halakhah) and who only accept changes that can be supported by the Torah. Jews keep all the rules of kashrut. Some even have separate utensils and perhaps fridges for the preparation and storage of meat and dairy products.
Reform Jews and food laws
Although Reform JewsJews who have adapted their laws and practices as modern life has changed. Jews may choose to observe all of the kashrut, they believe this is down to personal choice. Some Reform Jews observe a selection of the laws. Others observe kashrut at home but not elsewhere.