Set 11

Question 1

Why don’t we eat meat and milk together?

Answer 1

The prohibition against eating meat and milk together comes from the Torah, where it is mentioned three times:

1. “You shall not cook a young goat in its mother’s milk.” (Exodus 23:19)
2. “You shall not cook a young goat in its mother’s milk.” (Exodus 34:26)
3. “You shall not cook a young goat in its mother’s milk.” (Deuteronomy 14:21)

Jewish tradition interprets these verses to mean that meat and milk should not be cooked together, consumed together, or benefited from together. This has led to the development of detailed laws of kashrut (Jewish dietary laws), which include the separation of meat and dairy products to various extents in the kitchen and in meals.

Rabbinic interpretation expanded upon this basic prohibition to create a fence around the Torah, ensuring that the original commandment would not be inadvertently violated. This includes waiting between eating meat and dairy (with the length of time varying among different communities), using separate dishes and utensils for meat and dairy, and not preparing or eating dishes that combine the two.

The rationale behind the separation is rooted in Jewish law and thought, which sees the act of mixing milk (representing life and nurturing) with meat (representing death, since the animal has been slaughtered) as ethically and spiritually incompatible. Thus, keeping meat and milk separate is one way of respecting the sacredness of life.

Question 2

What makes a mammal suitable for Schita (Kosher slaughter)?

Answer 2

The animal must be a ruminant and have split hooves; the slaughter must be done by a trained shochet (ritual slaughterer) with a specific technique.

Question 3

What kind of fish are we allowed to eat?

Answer 3

Fish that have fins and scales.

Question 4

Why do we have a prohibition against the consumption of blood?

Answer 4

Because the blood is considered to be the soul of the animal, and its consumption is forbidden by the Torah.

Question 5

In which two books of the Torah do the rule of Kashrut appear?

Answer 5

Leviticus and Deuteronomy.

Question 6

What does the word Kosher mean? (Translate in one word.)

Answer 6

Fit or proper for consumption according to Jewish dietary law.

Question 7

In which Hebrew month do Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur occur?

Answer 7

Tishrei.

Question 8

What is the last month of the year called?

Answer 8

Elul.