The word Kosher is sourced (not in Yiddish, but rather) in Mishnaic and Targumic texts. Literally, it cognates with כשורה – “in line”. Meaning to say in line with a variable of criteria.
In terms of kosher food, the word “kosher” is used to demonstrate that a particular food is in line with the dietary laws of the Torah – the Hebrew Bible, aka. the five books of Moses.
The source for keeping kosher today
The laws of kosher (known as “Kashrut”) are sourced in Gods commandments in chapter 11 of the book of Leviticus.
While true that the Torah – by stating ונטמתם בם ״, you will become “tamei” (a Hebrew term understood as being numb/desensitized to God) were you to consume it – warns that non-kosher food is an unwelcome dietary addition to the children of Israel. The said type of “tumah” is not the standard Tumah (which is the opposite of Tahara), but rather the opposite of kedusha – sanctity.
This is an important distinction since it counters an erroneous notion that the laws of kashrut become obsolete when the laws of Tumah and Tahahra are not practiced (such as during an era where the temple in Jerusalem is not extant).
This “expiration label” approach to kashrut is untrue due to the kedusha (sanctic) state that God bestows upon the children of Israel. God commands the people of Israel to be holy, as the Bible states קדושים תהיו כי אני ה׳ מקדישכם (You shall be holy, since I am God who sanctifies you), words that are eternal, and independent of geographic location.
To explain the two types of Tumah a bit more on depth: Generally, there are two distinct usages of the phrase “Tumah” in the Torah (Hebrew Bible), the first being the polar opposite of Taharah (Purity), while the second being the opposite of Kedusha (קדושה “sanctity”). The former is either prefixed by a ל (the Hebrew letter Lamed) or lacks any prefix at all, while the latter is followed by a ב (the Hebrew letter “Bet”).
The laws of Kashrut are sourced in the latter as is written ונטמתם בם. In other words, God commands Israel to adhere to the laws of kashrut, since Israel is commanded by God to be holy – קדושים תהיו כי קדוש, אני ה’ מקדישכם (You shall be holy since I am holy, I am God who sanctifies you). The God of Israel is eternal, his holiness is eternal, and his bond and covenant with the children of Israel is eternal – this is the central belief of why Israel has kept the laws of kashrut for millennia and continues to do so today.
Kosher beef
Kosher beef is important to kosher consumers everywhere. Yet, there is an overlooked stipulation of Jewish law that requires that certain cuts of the animal be presented to a kohen (Jewish priest) – the Foreleg, cheeks (tongue included) and abomasum. This requirement is likewise applicable to today’s kosher-minded consumer, yet is prone to loopholes and work-around’s that are easy to do, yet better left avoided. (You can read more about this topic here).
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