Kosher is the English term for food permissible for consumption, together with the preparation and cooking regulations according to the halakha, or Jewish law. Kashrut is the Hebrew term for this law which literally means “fit”. However, food that is not in accordance with halakha is termed treif. Most of the basic laws for kosher are derived from the Torah, particularly from the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy.
Details are further handed down through oral tradition until codified in the Mishnah, the first major redaction of the Torah.
Products that are kosher-certified are labeled with a mark called hekhsher. Hekhshers identify different organizations that issue kosher certifications. Certification usually involves examination of ingredients and food preparation, with periodic inspection of food facilities to ensure quality.
