Keeping Kosher in the 21st Century

Essay by OygqavilchkiCollege, UndergraduateA+, November 2002

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Abstract

This paper will investigate the origins of keeping kosher by accessing the Internet and books. It will explore why and how the rules of kashrus are followed. It will consider some common misconceptions and dismiss them. The advance and popularity of kosher food has spawned business growth, and makes keeping kosher in the 21st century very accessible and easy

Keeping Kosher in the 21st Century

What is kosher? I have heard different answers. Many non-Jewish and some Jewish people believe that food that is certified kosher has some how been "blessed" by a rabbi or given some higher spiritual plane. Some believe if there is no pork then it is ok. Some believe if dairy and meat are not mixed then it is kosher. What we will find out today is, what kosher is and dispel any of the myths about kosher and see that it is easier than has been to keep kosher in the 21st century.

Kosher is defined in the Torah (the Old Testament) as meaning proper or suitable when referring to the way and what we eat. The Torah details which animals, bird, seafood, and even insects are kosher and which are not. The laws of keeping kosher have been in effect for approximately 3000 years. Jewish scholars have interpreted, studied, extrapolated, and expounded upon the laws that are in the Torah. They have used that as a foundation to build a concise code of laws that are contained as one section in the Shulchan Arauch (code of Jewish Law), written by Rabbi Yosef Caro, one of the chief Rabbis in Israel in the fifteenth century. From then through till now the top halachic (Torah authorities) are constantly discussing, interpreting, and honing these laws as they apply in our time. Whole works and...