What is Kosher? What makes food kosher? Kosher food is any food or beverage that the Jewish cultural laws allow a person to eat. The rules are rooted in history and kosher is much more than a style of cooking. kosher laws govern what you eat and how you cook. Not all people of Jewish faith are kosher and not all who are kosher are of Jewish faith.
Kosher certification is a process by which companies certify that their products and food items meet the kosher requirements. The regulations are based on biblical scriptures.
Understanding Kosher Laws
Kosher food, what is it? What are the kosher dietary laws? The Jewish dietary laws are referred to as “Kashrut”.
- The Kashrut establishes that a number of animals are not to be eaten. And of the animals that can be eaten, the birds and mammals have to be killed according to Jewish law.
- Pork and shellfish are not to be consumed.
- All blood must be drained from poultry before it is eaten.
- Certain parts of permitted animals cannot be eaten
- Fruits and Vegetables are allowed, but they must be checked for bugs
- Meat cannot be eaten with dairy. Fish, fruits, vegetables can be eaten with dairy
- Any utensil (pot, pan) that has been in contact with meat cannot be used for dairy and vice versa.
- Grape products made by non-Jews may not be eaten
What is Kosher Certification and Why is it Important?
The goal of kosher certification is to avoid cross contamination of certain food like meat, milk, fish, etc.
The process of kosher Certification involves carefully examining the ingredients that go into making either a certain food product or food. Companies are even required to show evidence of all the ingredients used in the production process. Once all these formalities have been completed and it is approved, they can receive the official kosher seal.
Kosher seals come in different shapes. The most commonly seen ones are the OU seal (Orthodox Union) and the KSA seal (Kosher Seal of America)
Increase of Kosher Restaurants in Pennsylvania
A kosher restaurant is an establishment that serves food that adheres to the Jewish dietary laws. New York has the highest number of Kosher restaurants in America, over 500. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania also has a huge number of certified kosher restaurants. 1% of the total population of Pennsylvania consists of Jewish people. That accounts to 120,000 Jewish people. Kosher restaurants and kosher products have become extremely accessible in Pennsylvania.
What to Look for in Kosher Restaurants?
Kosher Certification: Kosher certification is the most important and one of the first things you must enquire at a kosher restaurant. If you follow a strict kosher diet, ask for the certification and make sure that the establishment is certified with the kosher seal.
Kosher Menu: It is only normal to expect a kosher menu at a kosher restaurant. Kosher restaurants in Pennsylvania offer a variety of kosher snacks and some of the best kosher food! Some popular kosher food you will find at any kosher restaurant includes; Matzo ball soup, Latkes, Babka, Kugels, etc.
Kosher Dining Tips
Eating outside as an orthodox Jew can be tricky. Kosher restaurants are often expensive due to the various processes that need to be followed. Kosher and non kosher foods have a significant difference and those who abide by strict kosher laws can find it extremely difficult to rely on non-kosher restaurants for their requirements. Some non-kosher restaurants may be accommodative of kosher requirements but it is still not a good idea considering they might not separate the utensils, etc.
Shabbat: Shabbat is Judaism’s day of rest and begins in the evening of the sixth day of the week (Friday) and goes on till Saturday night. Shabbat is celebrated by lighting candles, and reciting blessings over wine and bread.
Kosher Food Benefits
One of the most notable health benefits that comes from following a kosher diet is that it contains 0 contaminants.
The process behind kosher food is different from how normal food is processed, in the sense that it is a very long and slow process but this process helps eliminate the risk of any harmful hormones from meat entering our body.
With dairy, it is ensured not to be mixed with meat which again is a lot healthier, reducing the cholesterol levels while consuming meat and dairy separately.
Kosher Food Restaurants in Pennsylvania
Planning for a vacation in Pennsylvania but you are worried about your kosher requirements? Worry not! Here’s a list of the best kosher restaurants and best kosher catering services in Pennsylvania!
- Star of David Grill: The Star of David is a beloved restaurant in Narberth, PA. It is proudly a part of the kosher certification list of Pennsylvania. Enjoy kosher BBQ, and a variety of grill items.
- Shtetl Kosher Restaurant: The Shtetl restaurant is a historic place, paying respect to the Jewish community in the 19th and 20th centuries. The restaurant follows the shtetl method of cooking. They offer a variety of finely crafted items.
- Best Cake Bakery: Have a craving for Kosher sweets? Often referred to as the best kosher bakery in Philadelphia, the Best Cake Bakery has the answers to all your kosher sweets and kosher dairy cravings! They follow a strict kosher baking method.
- Best of Kosher Falafel: Best of kosher falafel is a kosher food truck in Kingston, PA. Their menu offers shawarmas, Bourekas, Falafels and more items from the kosher snack list!
- Como Pizza: Kosher food? Poconos has some options as well! Como Pizza is located in Lake Como and is a pizzeria serving fresh kosher pizzas.
Kosher Accommodation in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania, we have already established is very kosher-friendly. Now onto the accommodation, spend your time in Pennsylvania in a luxury kosher vacation home rather than wasting time trying to find hotels that are kosher. Find the best properties in Pennsylvania that are kosher friendly!
Wrap Up
Plan your trip to Pennsylvania right away! And make sure you check out all the kosher restaurants mentioned in this blog! Contact HolidayKeepers and begin your seamless booking process now.
FAQs
Q: What are some kosher food places near me (Kingston PA)
A: The Kosher Deli, Kingston Kosher, Bagel Bar
Q: Are there enough kosher options around Pennsylvania
A: From kosher accommodations to restaurants, Pennsylvania has many kosher friendly options.
Q: Are there kosher certified restaurants in Pennsylvania?
A: All if not most kosher restaurants are certified.
