What is the difference between kosher and kashrut?

"Kosher" and "Kashrut" are related but have slightly different meanings:

Kashrut

* Refers to the entire body of Jewish dietary laws. It's the system itself, encompassing all the rules and regulations surrounding what is considered kosher and how to prepare kosher food.

* It's a broader concept. Think of it as the "bible" or "instruction manual" for kosher food.

Kosher

* Refers to the specific food or item that conforms to the rules of Kashrut. It's the adjective used to describe something that is permitted according to Jewish dietary laws.

* It's a narrower concept. Think of it as the "product" or "result" of following the rules of Kashrut.

Here's an analogy:

* Kashrut is like the "recipe book" for cooking. It provides all the guidelines and instructions.

* Kosher is like the "dish" itself. It's the final product that is prepared according to the instructions in the recipe book.

In summary:

* Kashrut is the system of Jewish dietary laws.

* Kosher is the adjective used to describe food that adheres to those laws.

You might hear someone say, "I'm following a kosher diet," which means they are adhering to the rules of Kashrut. Or, you might see a product labeled "kosher," indicating that it's been prepared according to Jewish dietary laws.