The Foundations of Kosher Law
Sources: Vayikra י״א; Devarim י״ד
The laws of kosher originate from the Torah, specifically in Vayikra 11 and Devarim 14. Over generations, rabbinic authorities have applied these commandments to modern food production. Today, kosher certification agencies ensure products meet these requirements.
Kosher Animals: Who’s In and Who’s Out
Source: Vayikra י״א:ג
To be considered kosher, an animal must have split hooves (Mafris Parsah) and chew its cud (Shosa’at Shesa)
Kosher animals: Cow, sheep, goat, deer
Non-kosher animals: Pig, camel, rabbit, horse
Fish must have fins and easily removable scales (Vayikra י״א:ט–י).
Kosher birds follow the traditional list accepted by Chazal.
From Slaughter to Supervision: The Kosher Process
Source: Devarim י״ב:כא; חולין פרקים א–ב
Every piece of kosher meat must come from an animal slaughtered through shechita, performed by a trained shochet. The process ensures humane slaughter and removal of forbidden blood.
Afterward, bedika, soaking, and salting (melicha) prepare the meat properly.
The Meaning of “Glatt Kosher”
Source: שו״ע יו״ד ל״ט
“Glatt” means the lungs are smooth and free of adhesions — a higher halachic standard widely accepted today for stringency.
Keeping a Kosher Kitchen
Source: Shemot כ״ג:י״ט; שו״ע יו״ד פ״ז–פ״ט
A kosher kitchen requires complete separation of meat and dairy:
Separate dishes and utensils
Separate cooking and serving
Waiting periods between meat and dairy (commonly six hours)
Pareve: The Neutral Kosher Category
Source: שו״ע יו״ד פ״ח
Foods with no meat or dairy — such as eggs, fruits, vegetables, and grains — are pareve, meaning neutral. They may be eaten with either meat or dairy meals.
Why Kosher Certification Matters
Modern manufacturing is complex. Even kosher ingredients may be processed on non-kosher equipment. Reliable kosher certification symbols guarantee proper supervision at every stage.
Kosher Around the World
Kosher standards are known globally for quality and clarity. Many people choose kosher products even without keeping kosher, due to consistent oversight and transparent labeling.
The Deeper Meaning of Kosher
The laws of kashrut elevate eating into a mindful, structured practice guided by the Torah.
Nachman Harris. Kosher Expert.
Available for any of your questions
