Some Jews dont eat turkey, and they do so out of religious conviction. Naturally, this does not imply that these Jews lack patriotism or do not recognize the immense freedom they enjoy in the United States of America. No, these Jews who dont eat turkey are worried about the bird itself.
The Torah does not specify the characteristics of a kosher bird, but it does list the characteristics that make animals and fish kosher—chews cud and split hooves for animals, scales and fins for fish. Rather, it lists only the birds that one is not allowed to eat after declaring that one may eat “all the clean birds” (Deuteronomy 14:11-20).
This has led to an issue because not all of the birds listed as forbidden in the Torah are still recognized today. Therefore, only birds that have historically been known to be consumed by Jewish communities were permitted, according to the Code of Jewish Law (Shulchan Aruch, completed in 1563). This included chicken and ducks. Advertisement.
The turkey, however, was not a traditional bird. The “New World” is home to turkeys, which European Jews did not see until explorers brought them back from America. As turkeys gained popularity as a food in general throughout Europe, rabbis started to get inquiries concerning the kosher status of the birds.
Nearly all authorities ruled the turkey kosher because it resembles other known kosher birds in many ways, including the structure of its feet, beak, and stomach, and because it was not a predator.
About turkeys, did you know that the word for turkey in Hebrew is “tarnegol hodu,” which translates to “Indian Rooster”? The reason for its name is that, although native to North America, turkeys were mistakenly believed to be a part of India by early explorers. In the Hebrew language, the name India is Hodu. It is most widely known from the opening lines of the Book of Esther (Purim) in which King Achashverosh is described as the king of a kingdom that stretches “mehodu vad kush” from Ethiopia to India.
“So what?” you might ask. This could actually be one of life’s strange coincidences, as there is another way to interpret tarnegol hodu. Using the other meaning of the word hodu–thanks, a turkey in Hebrew actually means a “rooster of thanks. “Advertisement.
Hodu LaHashem Ki Tov, a passage from Tehillim (Psalms) 118, is usually translated as “Give thanks to God because He is good.” ” However, the phrase may also be translated as, “Give thanks to God because it is good. ” Giving thanks to God is good for us!.
Giving thanks is a natural and continual part of Jewish life. It is actually customary to say, “Modeh ani lifanechah melech chai vkayam, shehehchehzarta bee nishmatee bchemla—raba emunatehcha,” as soon as one wakes up in the morning. Every morning, Jews give thanks to God for just being able to wake up. “I give thanks before You, living and eternal King, Who has returned my soul to me with compassion—abundant is Your faithfulness!”
Modeh Ani is about more than just religious devotion (although it is that). Modeh Ani serves as a reminder to possess and exhibit hakarat hatov, or the appreciation of the good, at all times during the day. It sets the tone for the rest of the day, which should include acknowledging the driver who let others merge, thanking the person who held the door open for a moment longer, grinning at the police officers who keep the streets safe, etc.
The American celebration of Thanksgiving is a day that focuses on hakarat hatov. Due to the fact that the day has no religious significance, it is one of the few holidays that many American Jews can celebrate as a community. While many religious authorities have maintained that there is no prohibition against enjoying a turkey dinner on Thanksgiving, some American Jews actually don’t celebrate the day at all. There are several reasons for this.
Thanksgiving is a special occasion that serves as a reminder of the lofty ideals upon which America was founded through the tale of the first dinner shared by early European settlers and the local indigenous people. At the same time it is a day that is focused on hodu in general. It is up to each of us to decide whether to concentrate on the turkey or give thanks to God and people in our lives. Advertisement.
The question of whether Jews can eat turkey is a complex one, with a surprising answer While many Jews enjoy turkey as part of their Thanksgiving celebrations, the answer is not as simple as a yes or no.
This guide will delve into the intricacies of Jewish dietary laws known as Kashrut and explore the specific case of turkey. We will examine the historical and religious context surrounding this question, and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about consuming turkey as a Jew.
Understanding Kashrut: The Laws of Kosher Food
Kashrut is a set of dietary laws outlined in the Torah, the foundational text of Judaism. These laws dictate what foods are permissible and forbidden for Jews to consume. The primary focus of Kashrut is on ensuring the purity and holiness of the food we eat.
Key principles of Kashrut include:
- Permitted Animals: Only certain animals are considered kosher, including mammals with split hooves that chew their cud (such as cows, sheep, and goats), and certain types of fowl (such as chickens, ducks, and geese).
- Forbidden Animals: Animals that do not meet the above criteria, such as pigs, shellfish, and birds of prey, are considered non-kosher and forbidden for consumption.
- Slaughtering Method: Animals must be slaughtered in a specific way known as “shechita” to ensure humane treatment and minimize suffering.
- Blood Removal: All traces of blood must be removed from meat before consumption.
- Mixing Meat and Dairy: Meat and dairy products cannot be mixed or consumed together.
The Case of Turkey: A Bird of Mystery
The question of whether turkey is kosher is a subject of ongoing debate among Jewish scholars.
Here’s why:
- Missing Tradition: Unlike other kosher birds, turkeys are native to the New World and were not traditionally consumed by Jews. Therefore, there is no established tradition regarding their kashrut.
- Mishnaic Criteria: The Mishna, an ancient Jewish legal text, outlines specific criteria for identifying kosher birds. These include having an extra toe, a crop, and a gizzard that can be easily peeled. While turkeys appear to meet these criteria, the lack of a historical tradition makes it difficult to definitively declare them kosher.
- Rabbinic Opinions: Some rabbis have argued that the lack of a tradition prohibiting turkey consumption is sufficient to permit it, while others maintain that the absence of a clear tradition renders it non-kosher.
Current Practices and Considerations
Despite the ongoing debate, the vast majority of Jews today consider turkey to be kosher. This is largely due to the following factors:
- Widespread Acceptance: Turkey has become a widely accepted food among Jews, particularly in the United States where it is a staple of Thanksgiving celebrations.
- Rabbinic Approvals: Many prominent rabbis have issued rulings permitting the consumption of turkey, based on the arguments mentioned above.
- Availability of Kosher Turkey: Kosher turkeys are readily available in most supermarkets and butcher shops, making it a convenient and accessible option for Jewish consumers.
However, it is important to note that some Jews, particularly those who follow stricter interpretations of Kashrut, may choose to abstain from eating turkey due to the ongoing debate about its status.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to eat turkey is a personal one that each Jew must make based on their individual beliefs and understanding of Kashrut.
Here are some key factors to consider:
- Your level of religious observance: If you follow a strict interpretation of Kashrut, you may choose to avoid turkey due to the ongoing debate about its status.
- Your personal beliefs: If you are comfortable with the arguments permitting the consumption of turkey, you may choose to include it in your diet.
- Availability of kosher turkey: If you choose to eat turkey, make sure to purchase it from a reputable source that guarantees its kosher status.
By understanding the complexities of Kashrut and the specific case of turkey, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your personal beliefs and religious practices.
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Some Jews dont eat turkey, and they do so out of religious conviction. Naturally, this does not imply that these Jews lack patriotism or do not recognize the immense freedom they enjoy in the United States of America. No, these Jews who dont eat turkey are worried about the bird itself.
The Torah does not specify the characteristics of a kosher bird, but it does list the characteristics that make animals and fish kosher—chews cud and split hooves for animals, scales and fins for fish. Rather, it lists only the birds that one is not allowed to eat after declaring that one may eat “all the clean birds” (Deuteronomy 14:11-20).
This has led to an issue because not all of the birds listed as forbidden in the Torah are still recognized today. Therefore, only birds that have historically been known to be consumed by Jewish communities were permitted, according to the Code of Jewish Law (Shulchan Aruch, completed in 1563). This included chicken and ducks. Advertisement.
The turkey, however, was not a traditional bird. The “New World” is home to turkeys, which European Jews did not see until explorers brought them back from America. As turkeys gained popularity as a food in general throughout Europe, rabbis started to get inquiries concerning the kosher status of the birds.
Nearly all authorities ruled the turkey kosher because it resembles other known kosher birds in many ways, including the structure of its feet, beak, and stomach, and because it was not a predator.
About turkeys, did you know that the word for turkey in Hebrew is “tarnegol hodu,” which translates to “Indian Rooster”? The reason for its name is that, although native to North America, turkeys were mistakenly believed to be a part of India by early explorers. In the Hebrew language, the name India is Hodu. It is most widely known from the opening lines of the Book of Esther (Purim) in which King Achashverosh is described as the king of a kingdom that stretches “mehodu vad kush” from Ethiopia to India.
“So what?” you might ask. This could actually be one of life’s strange coincidences, as there is another way to interpret tarnegol hodu. Using the other meaning of the word hodu–thanks, a turkey in Hebrew actually means a “rooster of thanks. “Advertisement.
Hodu LaHashem Ki Tov, a passage from Tehillim (Psalms) 118, is usually translated as “Give thanks to God because He is good.” ” However, the phrase may also be translated as, “Give thanks to God because it is good. ” Giving thanks to God is good for us!.
Giving thanks is a natural and continual part of Jewish life. It is actually customary to say, “Modeh ani lifanechah melech chai vkayam, shehehchehzarta bee nishmatee bchemla—raba emunatehcha,” as soon as one wakes up in the morning. Every morning, Jews give thanks to God for just being able to wake up. “I give thanks before You, living and eternal King, Who has returned my soul to me with compassion—abundant is Your faithfulness!”
Modeh Ani is about more than just religious devotion (although it is that). Modeh Ani serves as a reminder to possess and exhibit hakarat hatov, or the appreciation of the good, at all times during the day. It sets the tone for the rest of the day, which should include acknowledging the driver who let others merge, thanking the person who held the door open for a moment longer, grinning at the police officers who keep the streets safe, etc.
The American celebration of Thanksgiving is a day that focuses on hakarat hatov. Due to the fact that the day has no religious significance, it is one of the few holidays that many American Jews can celebrate as a community. While many religious authorities have maintained that there is no prohibition against enjoying a turkey dinner on Thanksgiving, some American Jews actually don’t celebrate the day at all. There are several reasons for this.
Thanksgiving is a special occasion that serves as a reminder of the lofty ideals upon which America was founded through the tale of the first dinner shared by early European settlers and the local indigenous people. At the same time it is a day that is focused on hodu in general. It is up to each of us to decide whether to concentrate on the turkey or give thanks to God and people in our lives. Advertisement.
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Can Jews eat turkey?
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