{"id":1545,"date":"2014-06-05T20:23:16","date_gmt":"2014-06-05T20:23:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.thejerusalemgiftshop.com\/israelnews\/?p=1545"},"modified":"2014-06-05T20:50:12","modified_gmt":"2014-06-05T20:50:12","slug":"kosher-for-christians","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thejerusalemgiftshop.com\/israelnews\/kosher-for-christians\/","title":{"rendered":"Kosher for Christians"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Tom Brennan
\nWhat\u2019s okay to eat and what\u2019s not and a general discussion of what it means.<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of the things about Jewish lifestyle that everyone seems to know about is Kosher. Many grocery chains have Kosher aisles in the market and the term \u201cRabbinical supervision\u201d is on the label. There are many misconceptions and just as many arguments about \u201cwhat\u2019s Kosher\u201d and how strict is it interpreted that make it an intriguing item for discussion. And what better place to start than in Israel<\/p>\n

What is the definition of Kosher? Very simply it means unsuitable or unacceptable for food or use. The Torah lists the animals, birds, reptiles and fish that are not to be consumed as food. It also gives instructions against mixing or combining certain things. This is explained as a matter of each according to its kind. No reason is given and no exceptions, \u201cjust say no\u201d.\u00a0 Many reasons have been put forth for the prohibitions. Some commentaries conclude that the list includes almost all carrion eaters. There is to be a general avoidance of already dead things.\u00a0 The one who touches a dead body was unclean and had to stay outside the camp (the Torah was written down while the Israelites were in the wilderness for 40 years) for a set period. That person had to perform rituals of cleaning self and clothes before being allowed back within the camp of 12 tribes. But this is not stated as the reason, only as a cleaning ritual.<\/p>\n

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