The spelling of the word "koshers" may seem unusual, but it's actually a simple phonetic adaptation. The word is a plural form of "kosher," meaning "fit" or "proper" food in accordance with Jewish dietary laws. The "sh" sound in "kosher" is often pronounced as a "s" in Yiddish, which is reflected in the spelling of the plural form. Using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), the pronunciation is /ˈkɒʃərz/, with the first syllable pronounced as "kosh" and the second syllable as "erz."
Kosher is an adjective that describes something as being in accordance with Jewish dietary laws, especially referring to food that is prepared and/or consumed according to these religious requirements. The term stems from the Hebrew word "kashrut," which means "fit" or "proper."
In Jewish tradition, kosher food must meet specific criteria, including the selection and preparation of ingredients, as well as the cooking process. Animals that can be consumed must possess certain characteristics and be slaughtered by a trained individual known as a shochet. The animal should also be free from disease or any wounds, and it must be drained of its blood, as blood is considered non-kosher.
Additionally, kosher dietary laws govern the separation and identification of meat and dairy products. Kosher food must not contain ingredients derived from prohibited animals, such as pork, shellfish, or certain insects. Furthermore, meat and dairy products cannot be consumed or cooked together, and even the utensils used for their preparation and consumption must be separated.
The concept of kosher extends beyond the realm of food and applies to other aspects of Jewish life. For instance, Jewish law may also dictate the kashrut of Jewish homes, rituals, and even clothing. The goal of observing kosher laws is to strengthen one's spiritual connection to God, maintain communal identity, and promote ethical considerations through conscious consumption and preparation.
The word "koshers" has its origin in the Yiddish language, which is a Germanic language that developed among Ashkenazi Jews in Central and Eastern Europe. The term "kosher" comes from the Hebrew word "kasher", meaning "fit" or "proper". In Yiddish, the noun form "koshur" (כשר) and the adjective form "koshers" (כשרס) are derived from this Hebrew word, denoting something that complies with Jewish dietary laws. These laws, known as "kashrut", dictate which foods are permissible to eat according to traditional Jewish dietary practices. Over time, the term "koshers" has been adopted into English to refer to food that meets these kosher requirements.