Kosher 101: Does the Rabbi bless the food?

One of the myths about kosher certification is that the process consists of a rabbi blessing the food. That’s not what happens.

Kosher is a biblical term that means “fit” or “proper.” Its most common usage is to denote the types of foods permitted to eat according to Jewish Law. Over time, it has been incorporated into daily vernacular to mean that something is genuine, legitimate, or official.

Simply put, kosher.

In fact, kosher laws are a clearly defined and immutable body of laws about what foods conform to a set of dietary specifications.

The sources for the kosher laws are Biblical, and further explained in rabbinic legislation. Included in these specifications are: what animals, fish, and birds may be prepared for consumption, the methods of preparing and processing them, the prohibition of mixing meat and dairy products.

Given the complex and extensive nature of these laws, it is necessary for those who observe these them to rely on certification from an accredited rabbinic organization.

When a rabbi visits a kosher facility, he is insuring that the items produced there meet kosher requirements.