Sunday, July 29, 2018

Kashrut And Orthodox Jewish News

By Carolyn Young


There is so much going on in the world today that revolves around a small nation called the Jews. Orthodox Jewish News abounds on the Internet and radio channels the world over but for the Jew on the street, daily life continues and in keeping with it, an array of Laws that must be upheld. For many this is a way of life in making sure that all the laws are kept in keeping with the Written Torah and the Oral laws.

Being Kosher for one is a worthwhile endeavour and this means adhering to strict laws as set out in the Written Torah and Oral Law. The word kashrut embodies those laws that must be adhered to and this practically means quite a few things. Kosher means alls those products and practicalities that must be followed in order to keep the laws of kashrut to their full extent.

Apart from this, basically only clean animals may be consumed when it comes to meat products and this means that they must chew the cud and be cloven hoofed. Typically only cattle, goats and sheep may be consumed but first they must undergo slaughtering which is carried out by a qualified shochet or ritual slaughterer. To become one takes many years of studying and learning the practicalities of what goes with this job or designation.

This is because Jews are not allowed to mix meat and milk when consuming foods and two sets of crockery and cutlery must be used in the kitchen at home. This stems from the law that one is not allowed to eat a calf in the milk of the mother. Apart from this saying alone there are many laws derived from what has been handed down orally through the centuries.

Laws containing the laws of kashrut flow also into the kitchen at home. Two separate sets of crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils are kept in order to keep the law of not mixing meat and milk. Having two separate zincs for washing up is also a feature of the Jewish home in keeping with this commandment.

Not only must this person be well versed in all the laws pertaining to kashrut but they must also pray three times a day, keep the Shabbat, keep the laws and practices surrounding the Festivals and must be certified to do so by a Court of Law. The Shabbat is the seventh day of rest that all Jews keep to commemorate the six days of creation where God rested on the seventh day and ceased from creating. It is because of this that no manner of work is done on this day.

Some products are kosher and others become not and this is where the Beth Din plays an important role in keeping abreast that laws are met within in factories of each manufacturer. A booklet is usually published monthly advising adherents as to what can be consumed and what cannot. It is a precise practice and is practiced by all religious Jews.

It is a difficult path. Not everyone can stick to it and keep it. But for most this is a way of life.




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