What is a simple explanation of what Kosher means?

"Kosher" is a Hebrew word that means "fit" or "proper". In Judaism, it refers to a set of dietary and ritual laws that determine what foods are allowed to be eaten and how they should be prepared.

Here's a simple breakdown:

Food Rules:

* Meat & Dairy: You cannot eat meat and dairy together. They must be kept completely separate, even in utensils and cooking equipment.

* Permitted Animals: Only certain animals are kosher, like cows, sheep, chickens, and fish with fins and scales. Pork, shellfish, and certain types of birds are forbidden.

* Slaughtering: Animals must be slaughtered according to specific religious rules to be kosher.

* Meat Inspection: A rabbi checks the meat for any imperfections before it's considered kosher.

* Wine: Only wine made by Jewish people according to certain rules can be kosher.

Beyond Food:

* Rituals: There are other rituals that are part of being kosher, like blessings before meals and the use of separate dishes for meat and dairy.

* Lifestyle: Kosher living goes beyond food. It includes observing Shabbat (the Jewish Sabbath), keeping kosher laws on holidays, and adhering to other Jewish traditions.

In a nutshell: Kosher living is about following specific rules and traditions that are an important part of Jewish life and faith. It's a way of ensuring food is prepared and consumed in a way that is deemed "fit" and "proper".