What Does It Mean to Keep Kosher?

Kosher

What Does It Mean to Keep Kosher?

Many people consider an observant Jew to be someone who keeps the laws of Shabbat and eats only kosher food. But there are actually a wide variety of ways that one can observe these commandments.

What Does It Mean to Keep Kosher?

In terms of keeping, it helps to be knowledgeable about the various levels of this practice found in different segments of the Jewish community. This can help you decide what kosher practices you want to observe and also help you communicate better with others about how to eat together.

If you’re invited to a meal in someone else’s home, it’s always best to ask before making any assumptions about their kosher practices. And when you’re inviting someone else to your home for a meal, it’s entirely appropriate to be upfront and specific about how you keep kosher, so that your guests are able to decide for themselves if they’re comfortable eating at your house.

According to Jewish law, the three basic elements of keeping kosher are:

  • Avoiding any non-kosher animals (fish that don’t have fins and scales, land animals that do not both chew their cud and have cleft hooves, most birds);
  • Avoiding eating meat and dairy together;
  • Only eating meat that was slaughtered in a certain way, and drained of blood.