Observance of Kosher Among the Jews Who Belong to Different Sects of Judaism
One of the most famous Jewish religious practices pertains to that of consuming only foods that are “kosher.” The laws of kashrut are part of the 613 laws observed by the Jewish faithful. The significance of the kashrut laws was demonstrated during persecution when the Jews were compelled to eat non-kosher foods like the pork-most Jews preferred death to break the divine law.
The “keeping of kosher” among the Jews depends on which sect of Judaism they belong. Many Reform Jews ignore the dietary laws regarding it as an outdated ritual. Orthodox Jews observe the rules ultimately, for they believe that they are sacred and relevant for all ages. Meanwhile, the Conservative Jews obey the laws of kashrut; however, their acts are not as strict as the Orthodox.
Some of the foods consumed according to the laws of kashrut include all fruits and vegetables except grape and only clean animals that have cloven hooves and chew cud except for pigs, camels, and rabbits. For the animals to remain kosher, they must be ritually slaughtered. Their blood must be gotten rid of wholly since the Torah forbids consuming blood animals. Specific animal parts are also considered non-kosher- for example, the sciatic nerve and certain surrounding the organs. Only fish with scales are permitted and should not be ritually slaughtered. Dairy and meat products should not be served at the same time. One has to wait for at least three to six hours to eat dairy meals after a meat product since the meat residues remain in the mouth for quite a long time. Anyone can cook the kosher dishes provided it is done following the regulations.
The type of utensils used is also covered in the kashrut. Pans, pots, dishwashers, plates, and potholders made of either earthenware, glass, wood, or metal have a significant influence on the foods in the presence of heat. For instance, a bowl used to hold chicken cannot be used to serve ice cream. Kosher households must, therefore, have more than two sets of dishes. Cleaning of the utensils is also very critical. Utensils must be soaked in hot water for several days to make it usable.
Kosher foods are far much healthier than ordinary American dishes since their production and certification demands close inspection and monitoring. If one sticks to kosher meals, there is no worry about the accidental consumption of dairy since the dairy and the meat products are processed separately.
Seder Meal Eaten for Passover
Seder is a ceremonial dinner which begins the Passover. Each member of the Seder has to drink four cups of wine and should not eat leavened bread. The Seder plate must have the lamb’s shank bone to symbolize the old Passover sacrifice. A roasted egg to represent the continuing life cycle, fruit and nut paste representing mortar used for building the pharaoh’s pyramid, bitter herb symbolizing slavery, green vegetable serving spring, and salted water symbolizing the slaves’ tears. An example of a recipe is on how to prepare a roasted leg of lamb(gyros) in which ingredients to be used include garlic, cloves, oregano leaves, black pepper, leg of lamb, and cucumber sauce.