How to Keep Kosher

Staying kosher sounds harder than it really is. The term kosher simply refers to the kashrut- the Jewish laws regarding what types of food and food preparations are allowed in the Torah. Following these holy laws will take some adjustment, but it can be done.

Keeping kosher can be a hard task if you are new to the idea. Kosher laws prohibit certain foods and require specific guidelines be followed for others. At first it can seem overwhelming, but the laws of kashmet are pretty simple to remember.

• Become familiar with the various kosher certified marks. The most famous is the Orthodox Union kosher seal. The OU seal is placed on hundreds of thousands of products that are certified as kosher.


• Only purchase meats that are certified as kosher. These meats have been prepared with people of the Jewish faith in the slaughter and production process. This is done to ensure that all Jewish laws are followed.


• Avoid cooking with or drinking milk or eating raw or undercooked foods. These products may be okay in certain circumstances, but in most cases they will be forbidden. If you are unsure about this you can check the Torah or ask your local Rabbi.


• Avoid wine unless it is produced by those of the Jewish faith. The laws are very strict regarding the production of wine. Most beer and many types of hard liquor are kosher by nature, but you may want to check for the certification mark on these as well just to be safe.


• Keep utensils separated when cooking and serving foods. Utensils that touch meat cannot touch other foods. They should also not be used on foods that aren't kosher. Many people will keep special utensils that are used only for non-kosher foods.