Kashrut (purity)

Question 1

Why are the laws of kashrut absolute?

Answer 1

the laws of kashrut were given by god to Moses on mount Sinai

Question 2

What would Jews say is the main purpose of the food laws?

Answer 2

• To discipline themselves towards holiness

- can demonstrate their commitment to God

Question 3

What do the kosher laws also act as?

Answer 3

A way of distinguishing them as the chosen people, giving identity and a belonging

Question 4

What requirements does Leviticus 11 set for an animal to be kosher?

Answer 4

• must have a split hoof
• must chew the cud
• fish - they must have both fins and scales can be eaten

Question 5

What is shechitah?

Answer 5

• the specific way an animal must be slaughtered.

- it is a cut across the throat with a razor sharp knife

Question 6

what happens after shechitah?

Answer 6

• animal or bird is inspected to make sure it doesn’t have any defects
• meat is then rinsed and salted so that any remaining blood is removed

Question 7

“you shall not boil…”

Answer 7

“a kid in its mothers milk.”

Exodus 23

Question 8

what happens in an orthodox household because of the law of not mixing meat and milk?

Answer 8

• separate crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils
• separate food storage and preparation areas
• separate sinks for washing up

Question 9

what is an example of strict obedience to not mixing meat and milk?

Answer 9

Leaving a period of time to have a meat meal if they have just had a dairy product.

Question 10

what does keeping kashrut have the potential to do?

Answer 10

isolate and separate jews from the wider secular society

Question 11

what is the certification process of kosher foods?

Answer 11

• rabbis supervise the whole manufacturing process

- when a product is approved it is given a hechsher on the label

Question 12

what is the role of a shomer?

Answer 12

• KLBD offer their service
• supervise the kitchen of a non-Jewish establishment
• may be employed for weddings or bar mitzvah parties

Question 13

3 points about kosher butchers?

Answer 13

• only found in close-knit Jewish communities
• licensed by a rabbinic board
• inspectors visit the shop frequently

Question 14

what do kosher restaurants require?

Answer 14

require certification and their menus and kitchens will be checked

Question 15

why do RJ reject keeping of kashrut laws?

Answer 15

Based upon their rejection of laws that are considered to have a ritual rather than a moral basis

Question 16

what do RJ believe about kashrut laws?

Answer 16

• keeping the laws of kashrut in their entirety might prevent their assimilation into secular society (which they view as vital)