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Definition:
The proper Hebrew word is kasher, and means "fit." What it means
in practice is some food which is "fit to be eaten according to Jewish rules
and rituals." Jewish law requires that animals be killed a certain way, that
food be prepared a certain way, that some foods not be eaten at all, and that some
foods not be eaten together.
According to Jewish dietary law, only land animals which chew their cud and have split hooves (i.e., sheep and cows - not pigs and camels) can be slaughtered, and even then they have to be killed in a certain way. Those which can be killed and eaten can be eaten with milk products or immediately after milk products. Among sea creatures, only those with fins and scales (fish, but not crustaceans) are permitted.
If something is kosher, that means that it does not violate any of these rules. Normally, a rabbi is present during preparation in order to ensure that all rules are followed and it is this rabbi who certifies the final product as kosher. The term has entered general English usage and now also refers to anything which is "proper" or "correct," rather than a fake or a trick.
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: kasher, kashrut
Common Misspellings: none
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