Kosher Terms

The process of checking fruits, vegetables, and other food items for the presence of insects, according to Jewish dietary laws.

Jewish rabbinical court that oversees matters of Jewish law including compliance with Jewish dietary laws. At KF, our Kosher certificates for food products and licenses for Kosher establishments are issued under the authority of our Beis Din / Rabbinical Board.

Related to the age of grain products in Jewish dietary laws. This term means “new” and refers to grain that grew after the most recent Passover festival and is remains forbidden until the next Passover festival. The opposite of Yoshon.

Refers to milk that has been milked without Jewish supervision, raising concerns about its kosher status due to the potential mixing with non-kosher milk.

Refers to dairy products that have not been supervised by a Jewish person from the milking process to ensure it comes from kosher animals but is accepted by some authorities as kosher based on government regulations.

Refers to dairy products that have been supervised by a Jewish person from the time of milking to ensure that no non-kosher milk has been mixed in. Often referred to professionally as ‘super Kosher’ milk. The opposite of Cholov Stam / Cholov Akkum.

Foods that are leavened or contain leavening agents, prohibited during Passover.

A term used to describe a higher standard of kashrus, particularly in relation to meat. The term “glatt” means “smooth” in Yiddish, referring to the smoothness of the animal’s lungs.

Jewish law.

The Hebrew term for “supervision” or “oversight,” particularly in the context of kosher certification.

A certification mark or symbol found on food products indicating that they have been inspected and certified as kosher by a reliable rabbinical authority or kosher certification agency.

Referred to professionally as a ‘kosherisation’ process. The process of making food or utensils kosher, meaning they meet the dietary standards set by Jewish law.

Dietary laws that dictate what foods are permissible according to Jewish law.

Legumes and certain grains that are restricted for consumption by some Jewish communities during Passover.

Food that complies with Jewish dietary laws.

Foods that meet the dietary restrictions specific to the Passover holiday.

Supervisor responsible for ensuring that food production adheres to kosher standards.

Indicates that a food item is neither meat nor dairy and can be consumed with both.

Bread or baked goods made with Jewish involvement in the baking process.

Jewish holiday commemorating the Exodus from Egypt, during which specific dietary laws are observed.

Rabbi who certifies food as kosher.

The Jewish Sabbath, a day of rest and spiritual enrichment.

Shechita is the Jewish ritual slaughter of animals for food consumption.

The Sabbatical year in which agricultural lands in Israel are left fallow.

Person trained and authorized to perform Shechita.

Jewish holidays that are celebrated with special prayers, meals, and prohibitions on work.

Related to the age of grain products in Jewish dietary laws. This term means “old” and refers to grain which is permitted because it is from the previous year i.e. it grew before the Passover festival. Opposite of Chodosh.