What is Kosher?

There are lots of different ways to observe kosher laws, but here are the basics:

• Only certain mammals, birds, and fish are allowed
• Animals must be painlessly slaughtered, and drained of blood, which is prohibited
• Meat and dairy must not be eaten or cooked together
• Wine (and wine-based items like vinegar) must be made by Jews and kosher-certified
• All fruits and vegetables are fine, but must be checked for bugs,  which are prohibited

Kosher laws, in their most basic form, first appeared in the Torah. Via dialogue spanning generations, what we have today is an extensive and thorough food system. Many different people choose to observe these laws to varying degrees, and for many different reasons.