9. KOSHER

Question 1

What is Kosher?

Answer 1

• The Hebrew word “kosher” literally means “fit.”
• The laws of kosher define the foods that are fit for consumption for a Jew.
• Meat and milk are never combined.
• Fruits, vegetables must be insect free
• They use plastic utensils for the purpose of it being untouched/used before/cleanliness
• Meat must come from animals that are slaughtered in a specific (and painless) manner known as shechitah.
• all processed foods and eating establishments require certification by a reliable rabbi or kashrut supervision agency.

Question 2

REASONS FOR KOSHER LAWS

Answer 2

• Kosher laws contain moral lessons, such as more humane treatment of animals and avoiding animals of prey which represent cruelty.
• The Jewish people have a special mission to repair the world (Tikkun Olam) and this special diet reminds us of this obligation.
• You are what you eat. Mystical tradition holds that kosher food is infused with holiness not present in non-kosher food.
• The laws of kosher require discipline on a daily basis and prevent us from doing whatever we want when we want it.
• Some of the kosher laws have been shown to have health benefits.

Question 3

How to handle a kosher meal request as a server:

Answer 3

• Two seating tickets (stamped allergy)
• It will say “kosher meal”
• Guests order this in advance (24 hours prior)
• Let the chef know you have a kosher meal
• Chef will heat up kosher selections
• Deliver the entres to the table, and DO NOT uncover the dishes or unwrap
• Drinks are to be served in plastic UNUSED cups.