Concept in Definition ABC

Those who practice Judaism faithfully following the precepts of the sacred texts know that the feeding it is subject to certain rules. The origin of this normative is found in the Torah, where it differs from clarity the concept of pure and impure animal.

It is the dietary guide of the Jews

In Hebrew kashrut or kashrut is usually translated as appropriate or correct. Thus, when a food respects the laws of Judaism, this means that it is fit to be consumed. In this sense, the dietary laws of Judaism are intended to preserve the body and spirit of the faithful.

On the other hand, these guidelines have served to maintain the identity of the Jewish people. Some of these laws are as follows:

- The animal meat that can be consumed must belong to a ruminant with a split hoof.

- As for birds, the meat of some species can be ingested and that of others not.

- In relation to fish, those that have scales and fins can be ingested.

- Meat and its derivatives cannot be mixed with any dairy product.

- The ritual to sacrifice an animal is subject to certain rules (for example, it must be slaughtered by a rabbi, the animal cannot be sick and the extraction blood has to be done following a ritual). The rules to be followed in this regard are known as halacha.

- The wine that is consumed is subject to a strict process of elaboration from the moment the grapes are stepped on.

- Dietary laws apply to insects and worms, as well as a series of prohibitions for certain colorants and additives (as a general guideline, those that come from fats are prohibited animals).

Most of these laws have a symbolic component (for example, the consumption of fish of species with fins and scales because Jews must get used to "swimming against the current" in a society that is often hostile)

Although kashrut has as its origin the sacred texts, the tradition Rabbinic adapted these laws to the daily life of the Jews.

Finally, a establishment where products that respect the dietary norms of Judaism are sold it becomes a meeting place.

Distinguishing two concepts that are frequently confused

In some texts the word kashrut is presented as a synonym for kosher. Despite having an obvious relationship, these are terms that are not equivalent. While kashrut refers to food regulations that must be respected, kosher indicates that a food is integrated into Jewish food.

Fotolia photos: anatolir / dbvirago

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