Kosher, << KOH shuhr, >> also spelled kasher << KAH shuhr >> , is a Hebrew word that means fit or proper. The word usually refers to food, but it may apply to anything considered ritually correct or acceptable according to Jewish law. For example, a witness in a trial conducted under Jewish law may be called a kosher witness.
Kosher food is food prepared according to the Jewish dietary laws. These laws are based on passages from the Biblical books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy. For example, the laws specify that bread is kosher if it contains no forbidden fat and was not baked on the Sabbath. The laws also forbid foods from animals considered impure. These foods include pork and shellfish. In addition, only certain parts of such acceptable animals as cattle and sheep may be eaten.
The preparation of food according to Jewish dietary laws is called koshering. Animals must be killed by ritual slaughter, called shehitah. This method is designed to kill animals as quickly and painlessly as possible. Before the meat is cooked, it must be drained of blood by being soaked in cold water and then salted.
It is not kosher to eat certain foods together. For example, milk and other dairy products may not be eaten with meat. Jews who keep a kosher home must have one set of dishes and cooking utensils for meat meals and another set for meals that include dairy products.
