Features

Jews that follow a more observant, or orthodox, form of Judaism eat food that is kosher. According to the Orthodox Union, a kosher diet follows restrictions stated in the Torah which outline foods that cannot be eaten, such as pork and shellfish. In addition, dairy and meat cannot be combined in the same meal.

The Facts

A rabbi does not bless a product to make it kosher, but may inspect and label a product kosher. A 2000 survey by the National Jewish Population says that 21 percent of American Jews maintain a kosher diet.

History

Traditional foods revolve around Jewish holidays. On the Sabbath, challah, a braided egg bread, is eaten. Rosh Hashanah is a time for choroset, a mixture of apples, walnuts and honey. Latkes, potato pancakes, are a favorite Hanukkah food.

Considerations

Sharing a cultural background has made food such as knishes (a dumpling filled with potato), gefilte fish (minced whitefish), kugel (a sweet noodle pudding), and tzimmes (fruit, meat and vegetables), a common part of the Jews' diet. Other Jewish foods have passed into the mainstream, such as bagels and lox.

Significance

Observant Jews around the world are connected by the dietary laws. Even those who do not keep kosher are linked by a love of traditional food. Passover food, especially matzah, has linked generations of Jews.

Source:

Jewish Foods

Orthodox Union

More Information:

Chabad

Union for Reform Judaism