The term “kosher” was adapted from a Hebrew word meaning “fit and proper.” It’s used to describe foods that are prepared in accordance with specific biblical Jewish dietary laws. Contrary to popular belief, food does not have to be blessed by a rabbi to be considered kosher. The production process simply has to be overseen to make sure non-kosher items are not used. However, unless a person visits every manufacturing plant, the average consumer would find it impossible to determine whether or not a given item is kosher. Therefore, the kosher symbol system was created to help consumers find products inspected by a reliable kosher certification agency.
Today, nearly 75% of all prepackaged foods carry some sort of kosher certification. Since kosher law requires complete segregation between meat and milk, products containing a dairy ingredient must bear a kosher symbol with the addition of the letter “D”. The absence of the letter “D”, or the use of the “Pareve” (neutral) designation, ensures that the product is free of any dairy presence.
Through the years, the kosher symbol has become internationally recognized by people of many races and religions as a guarantee that their dietary concerns have been met. People with specific health concerns, such as lactose intolerance, also rely on kosher products to avoid dangerous allergic reactions. In addition, many health conscious people are seeing the benefits of the quality control and lack of additives in kosher foods. These people include vegetarians, who look to kosher food for a variety of options that exclude meat, poultry, fish and dairy. The kosher symbol, with the monitoring and care it represents, stands for so much more than just dietary law to today’s consumers.
The Star-K hotline, (410) 484-4110, fields kashrut questions from callers around the world.
The History of the Chanukah Gelt
Giving gelt - a Yiddish term for "money" on Chanukah has been a tradition for many years. When the tradition began in Europe in the middle-ages, it was the custom to give Chanukah gelt as payment to the local Jewish teacher. When, it was expanded to include giving coins to children, it became a way to emphasize the importance of Jewish education and the study of Torah. In modern days, this beautiful tradition is commemorated through chocolate gelt, and is one of the most celebrated symbols of the holiday.
The History of the Chanukah Gelt
Giving gelt - a Yiddish term for "money" on Chanukah has been a tradition for many years. When the tradition began in Europe in the middle-ages, it was the custom to give Chanukah gelt as payment to the local Jewish teacher. When, it was expanded to include giving coins to children, it became a way to emphasize the importance of Jewish education and the study of Torah. In modern days, this beautiful tradition is commemorated through chocolate gelt, and is one of the most celebrated symbols of the holiday.
Traditional Potato Latkes
To add some variety to your potato pancakes this year try making a second batch using sweet potato and shallots, then plate them with the traditional recipe below for a colorful presentation.
2 large eggs, beaten
3 cups grated potatoes (peels removed and liquid drained)
2 Tbsp. matzo meal or bread crumbs
1 small onion, diced
1/2 tsp. garlic salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. lemon juice
1/2 cup vegetable oil
Sour cream or apple sauce optional
In a large bowl, mix eggs, potatoes, matzo meal or bread crumbs, onion, garlic salt, pepper and lemon juice. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Drop potato mixture by tablespoon into oil. Fry until browned on both sides, turning once. Serve with sour cream or applesauce.
