Kashrut (also kashruth or kashrus, כַּשְׁרוּת) is the set of Jewish dietary laws. Food in accord with halakha (Jewish law) is termed kosher in English, from the Ashkenazi pronunciation of the Hebrew term kashér (כָּשֵׁר), meaning "fit" (in this context, fit for consumption by Jews according to traditional Jewish law). Food that is not in accordance with Jewish law is called treif (Yiddish: טרײף or treyf, derived from Hebrew: טְרֵפָה‎ trēfáh).

Many of the basic laws of kashrut are derived from the Torah's Books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy, with their details set down in the oral law that according to Jewish tradition was handed down by word of mouth down the generations from Moses[1] and it was finally codified in the Mishnah which is the earliest portion of the Talmud. Later summaries of Halakhah such as the Shulhan Arukh, the Mishnah Berurah and other rabbinical authorities exist.

The Torah does not explicitly state the reason for most kashrut laws, (or, for that matter many other laws) and many varied reasons have been offered for these laws, ranging from philosophical and ritualistic to practical and hygienic. Traditional Orthodox Jews believe that it is not necessary to base all of the laws on reasoning. This was discussed by Maimonides in the Guide to the Perplexed

About one-sixth of American Jews maintain the kosher diet.[2] Many Jews observe kashrut partially, by abstaining from pork or shellfish, or not drinking milk with a meat dish. Some keep kosher at home but will eat in a non-kosher restaurant.

Jews comprise only about 20% of the market for kosher food in the United States. A sizable non-Jewish segment of the population views kosher certification as an indication of wholesomeness. Strict vegetarians, Muslims, Hindus, and people with allergies to dairy foods, consider the kosher-parve designation as an assurance that a food contains no animal-derived ingredients, including milk and all of its derivatives.[3]

The word kosher has become a part of English slang, a colloquialism meaning proper, legitimate, genuine, fair, or acceptable.

Kosher Kitchens

• Mile Chai Jewish Books and Judaica
  We are your online resource for Jewish Jewelry, Menorahs, Jewish Books, Jewish gifts and Judaica, and music and much more.
  www.milechai.com

Aharon's Jewish Books and Judaica
600 South Holly Street Suite 103
Denver, Colorado 80246
303-322-7345
800-830-8660

Map to Aharon's Jewish Books and Judaica

Store Hours

Monday through Thursday 9 AM to 8 PM
Friday 9 AM to 1 PM
Sunday 9 AM to 4 PM

• Judaic
  Online store that provides a wide selection of all types of Passover Seder Plates, Judaica, Jewish gifts, Jewish books, Kittels, Jewish ritual items and much more ....
  www.judaic.com