Question: Ask the Rabbi - How have kosher rules changed?
Dear Rabbi,
Have the Jewish Dietary Laws of kashrut changed over the last century? If so, how?
Thank you,
Leslie
Have the Jewish Dietary Laws of kashrut changed over the last century? If so, how?
Thank you,
Leslie
Answer: Dear Leslie,
Yes. The laws of kashrut have changed - in some areas significantly - during the last century. These changes have been forced by modernity.
First, there has been a dramatic shift from simple foods to very complicated, manufactured foods. With the increased use of synthetic and manufactured ingredients, one needs a degree in chemistry and engineering to completely comprehend what is being added to or used in the production of our foods.
Secondly, modern means of transporation have created a global food market. People today often purchase and eat food that has been prepared and/or shipped from not only another state, but from another country.
Thirdly, in the past the local rabbi was trained to deal with regular food issues that arose in his own community. Today, more than 500 kosher supervision agencies, an industry in itself employing tens of thousands working all around the world, are needed to supervise and manage kosher food products and issues.
Kashrut has changed dramatically in the last 100 years. However, rabbis today are increasingly aware of and trained to deal with contemporary kosher issues. Hence, the best advice is go to a local rabbi with any questions about kashrut.
Best wishes,
Rabbi Dov
Yes. The laws of kashrut have changed - in some areas significantly - during the last century. These changes have been forced by modernity.
First, there has been a dramatic shift from simple foods to very complicated, manufactured foods. With the increased use of synthetic and manufactured ingredients, one needs a degree in chemistry and engineering to completely comprehend what is being added to or used in the production of our foods.
Secondly, modern means of transporation have created a global food market. People today often purchase and eat food that has been prepared and/or shipped from not only another state, but from another country.
Thirdly, in the past the local rabbi was trained to deal with regular food issues that arose in his own community. Today, more than 500 kosher supervision agencies, an industry in itself employing tens of thousands working all around the world, are needed to supervise and manage kosher food products and issues.
Kashrut has changed dramatically in the last 100 years. However, rabbis today are increasingly aware of and trained to deal with contemporary kosher issues. Hence, the best advice is go to a local rabbi with any questions about kashrut.
Best wishes,
Rabbi Dov
