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Kosher (or kashrut) is a collection of Jewish dietary laws that follow ancient Jewish law (halakha). Here is a basic description you can refer to if anyone ever asks, “what does kosher mean”:
Kosher dietary practices come from ancient Jewish laws that were stated in the Torah books “Deuteronomy” and “Leviticus”. These laws are further explained in the Talmud and Mishnah (oral law) and are confirmed by rabbinical authority. Some sects of Islam and Christianity (Seventh Day Adventist) also follow kosher practices held in Deuteronomy and Leviticus (both books are also considered Christian Scripture).
Mammals that are both have cloven hooves and ruminate (chew their cud after regurgitating it) are considered Kosher. Cattle, sheep, goats, and deer are all kosher mammals. Any mammals that have one of the characteristics but not the other are not considered Kosher. This includes pigs, camels, and hares. Also, any mammals that eat other animals for food are not kosher, as well as any mammal that is partially eaten by other animal or found dead.
Fish are considered Kosher if they have both fins and scales. Shellfish and all other water dwelling amphibians/mammals are not considered Kosher. There are interpretation disputes as to which birds are considered Kosher. The most basic description is a bird that has an extra toe, a gizzard, and a crop (extended pouch at the throat) is Kosher. All predatory birds are not considered Kosher. All insects are not Kosher except for locusts mentioned in Leviticus (which have been debated because of their ancient description).
Only meat that is slaughtered following kosher slaughtering practices (shechita) is considered Kosher. The slaughtering is to be done by a trained professional (shochet). The shochet will sever the animals’ jugular vein, carotid artery, esophagus, and trachea in one motion with an unserrated knife. This is done to cause the least amount of harm to the animal during the slaughtering process. The shochet removes as much blood from the animal as possible through draining, soaking, and salting the body.
It is against kosher practice to mix meat and dairy products in the same meal. Cooking utensils and dishes that are used for meat and diary products also cannot be mixed together. Observers with enough means will often have a separate washing machine or kitchen for meat and diary products. Some strict observers will wait several hours between dairy and meat-product meals.
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