Kosher Online

The Dietary Laws are an integral part of the observant Jewish life. Known as "Kashrut," which means "proper" in Hebrew, the restrictions bring holiness to our daily routine of eating. The dietary laws stem directly from the Bible, and are interpreted by the rabbis.

Although Kashrut can often seem confusing and complex, there are several main principles that guide a kosher diet:

1. Certain animals may not be eaten at all. Some of the forbidden animals include pigs, rabbit, and shellfish.

2. Of the animals that may be eaten, the birds and mammals must be killed in accordance with Jewish law. The laws of ritual slaughter emphasize compassion for the animals.

3. All blood must be drained from the meat or broiled out of it before it is eaten.

4. Certain parts of permitted animals may not be eaten.

5. Meat (the flesh of birds and mammals) cannot be eaten with dairy. Fish, eggs, fruits, vegetables and grains can be eaten with either meat or dairy. (According to some sources, fish may not be eaten with meat.)

6. Utensils that have come into contact with meat may not be used with dairy, and vice versa. Utensils that have come into contact with non-kosher food may not be used with kosher food.

7. Grape products made by non-Jews may not be eaten.

There are many informative and practical web sites that illuminate further on the details of Kashrut. You can now buy Kosher products online, find local Kosher restaurants, and read about alerts on mislabeled or questionable products.

Here are the Best of the Best:

The World's Largest Kosher Supermarket - You can order Kosher food delivered anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day. You can also buy gifts and bulk food, and join an e-mail list. They donate 5% of profits to the participating charity of your choice.

Shamash Kosher Restaurant Database - Offers a searchable database to find local Kosher restaurants.

Kashrut.com - Features an e-mail list, alerts on mislabeled products, recipes, articles, discussions, links, Halachic time of day calculator, and travel resources.

How to Make Your Home Kosher - Basic information for setting up and maintaining a Kosher household.

Kosher Information Bureau - Offers alerts, FAQs, recipes, symbols, tourist information, and an index of Ralph's Supermarket's Kosher items.

Manishewitz Home Page - The matzah people bring you recipes, electronic greeting cards, holiday information, and product updates.

Go To Page: 1

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic