Kosher means that food complies with Jewish dietary laws known as kashrut , which dictate what foods are permitted and how they must be prepared and consumed. The Hebrew word "kosher" literally means "fit" or "proper" for consumption according to these religious rules

. Key aspects of kosher laws include:

• Permitted animals: Only certain mammals (those with cloven hooves and that chew cud, like cows and sheep), certain birds (non-predatory, such as chicken and turkey), and fish with fins and scales are allowed. Animals must be slaughtered by a specific ritual called shechita to be kosher

• Separation of meat and dairy: Meat and dairy products must never be mixed or eaten together. Separate utensils and preparation areas are used for meat and dairy foods. There is also a waiting period between eating meat and dairy

• Food categories: Foods are divided into three groups:
  • Meat (fleishig): meat and poultry and their derivatives
  • Dairy (milchig): milk and dairy products
  • Pareve: neutral foods like fish, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and grains, which can be eaten with either meat or dairy

• Preparation and processing: Kosher laws also regulate how food is processed and prepared to maintain kosher status, including removing blood from meat by salting and soaking

Not all Jewish people observe kosher laws, but for those who do, keeping kosher is a way to show reverence to God and maintain a connection to their faith and community

. In summary, kosher means food that is "fit" or "proper" according to Jewish religious dietary laws governing what can be eaten, how it must be prepared, and how different foods are combined or separated