What is the difference between kosher and glatt kosher?

Kosher refers to food that meets the dietary laws of Judaism. These laws are based on the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) and specify which animals are permitted to be eaten, how they must be slaughtered, and how foods must be prepared.

Glatt kosher is a higher standard of kosher certification. It refers to a specific type of kosher meat where the animal has been slaughtered with a particularly sharp knife, leaving no trace of blood in the meat. The term "glatt" comes from the Yiddish word for "smooth," referring to the smoothness of the animal's lung, which is examined to ensure it is free of defects.

Here's a breakdown of the key differences:

| Feature | Kosher | Glatt Kosher |

|---|---|---|

| Meaning | Adheres to Jewish dietary laws | Stricter version of kosher, focusing on meat preparation |

| Animal Slaughter | Kosher slaughter (shechita) performed by a trained shochet | Kosher slaughter with a particularly sharp knife for a smooth lung |

| Lung Inspection | Not inspected | Lung is inspected for smoothness (glatt) |

| Certification | Usually requires a kosher certification from a recognized organization | Requires a glatt kosher certification from a recognized organization |

| Acceptance | Accepted by all observant Jews | Primarily accepted by stricter observant Jews |

In summary:

* Kosher is the general term for food that meets Jewish dietary laws.

* Glatt kosher is a higher standard of kosher that emphasizes the smooth, blood-free quality of the meat.

Many observant Jews choose to eat glatt kosher, while others are comfortable with regular kosher food.