The article by Mermelstein (2022) focuses on the exploration of the Jewish dietary laws and the practices of preparing meat that will be consumed by the people of this belief. Kosher food laws outline the types of foods and the preparation process that individuals must follow. This paper will summarize the article by Mermelstein (2022) and discuss Jewish dietary laws regarding kosher food and new meat products.
In antiquity, the most visible distinction between Jews and Gentiles was the observance of a set of legal rules by Jews. However, Jewish ritual practice influenced not only how Jews performed but also how they felt about their Jewishness and their connection to the larger culture. Law and emotion have mutually reinforcing roles in forming and reflecting a society’s values, prompting the following questions: how did Jews feel when they observed Jewish dietary regulations, and which emotional norms were engaged in the formation of law? This is the main question that the authors of the research article want to explore.
In the kosher context, “meat” refers to edible flesh from certain animals and poultry, as well as any items generated from them, such as broth, gravy, and bones. Cows, sheep, goats, lambs, oxen, and deer must have cloven — or split — hooves. The only meat allowed is from the forequarters of kosher ruminant animals (Mermelstein, 2022). Thus, the Jewish laws place some serious restrictions on the way the food has to be prepared and what types of meat can be consumed.
In summary, Kosher food rules specify the sorts of foods and the preparation procedures that must be followed. Mermelstein’s article focuses on the study of Jewish dietary regulations. Kosher food includes edible meat from specific animals and fowl, as well as any products derived from them. The authors of the research focused on examining the emotions of the Jewish people towards their dietary laws; however, they also explored the specific policies and regulations.
Reference
Mermelstein, A. (2022). What did it feel like to be a Jew? The Kosher food laws and emotional norms among ancient Jews. Journal For The Study Of Judaism, 1-33.