What's So Special About Kosher Food?

Question

I know it's prepared a special way and that it has to do with Jewish and Muslim diet, but what is the difference between kosher food and regular food? What will happen if Jewish and Muslim people if they eat food that is not kosher?

Answer 1

it's the same as nonkosher food, just blessed by a rabbi, plus certain foods only etc... it's the same thing though basically

Answer 2

The first five books of Moses, sometimes called the Old Testament by Christians, or the Tanach by Jews, set out certain dietary laws.  There are laws given to the sons of Noah - like don't eat part of a living animal.  There are laws transmitted to Moses from God (if you believe what you read) such as  - grazing animals must have a cloven hoof and chew their cud, marine animals must have fins and scales, don't boil a baby goat or sheep in its mother's milk, no leavened items during Passover in remembrance of the Exodus from Egypt.  

There is commentary on the laws to expand and clarify them.  All together, those are the rules of kashrut.  That is what traditional Jews follow.  Some items are forbidden, such as pork because it does not chew a cud.  Some items are allowable at certain times - a hamburger is okay, but not a cheeseburger (mixing meat and dairy!).  Only unleavened bread is ok during Passover - no yeast or baking powder or baking soda.

If you care about this and want to be sure that you follow the rules, you may want to eat only food that has been inspected by knowledgeable rabbis. They don't bless it.  They inspect it.  

What happens if a Jew eats food that is not kosher, otherwise called treif?  That depends on what you believe.  If you think that you have violated God's commandment for holy living, then you have a problem to deal with.

It is an area deserving of much study, not a five minute explanation.  But you asked and I hope that this helps.  If you want to study, there are numerous great books on the topic.  

Sorry that this does not address Muslim halal dietary rules.  Perhaps someone more knowledgeable will respond!

Answer 3

The short answer to why Jews observe these laws is: because the Torah says so. The Torah does not specify any reason for these laws, and for a Torah-observant, traditional Jew, there is no need for any other reason.

Some have suggested that the laws of kashrut fall into the category of "chukkim," laws for which there is no reason. We show our obedience to G-d by following these laws even though we do not know the reason. Others, however, have tried to ascertain G-d's reason for imposing these laws.

I can't answer for the Muslims, but if a Jewish person who keeps kosher eats food ACCIDENTLY that is not kosher - that is, without being aware of it, nothing.  If they do eat purposefully something that is not kosher, then they have to deal with it within themself and G-d.

Kosher food can be more healthy for you than non-kosher.  It is a proven fact.  You don't have to use the heavy oils of the olden times.  Olive oil, low fat foods...we are in modern times and can change the way we have cooked things in the past.

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Hope this helps you.