Chronicle poll results: Keeping a kosher home
We asked our readers if they keep a kosher home. Here's what they said.
Last week, the Chronicle asked its readers in an electronic poll the following question: “Do you keep a kosher home?” Of the 343 people who responded, 62% said no, and 38% said yes. Comments were submitted by 74 people. A few follow.
We keep kosher in our own way. We buy kosher meat because we believe in responsibly raising and shechting the animals, and then we put a slice of cheese on our sandwiches. Pork: no. Seafood: yes.
Meat-free for many years so keeping kosher is a lot easier.
It’s a law and tradition that is specified in the Torah, but is also a factor that has helped in our continuity as a people. It offers additional cultural benefits and physical protections in some instances.
As a compromise to tradition, we don’t eat pork.
I was not always kosher. I find this mitzvah draws me closer to being Jewish. I love cooking and it elevates my food preparation to a more spiritual level.
It is harder and harder to keep a kosher home. Groceries are super expensive and local meat quality is not good.
I try to keep kosher but I live in Albuquerque New Mexico, and it’s tough to keep kashrut here.
I don’t consume any shellfish, meat or dairy. I do however purchase grains, nuts, seeds and legumes that are not kosher-certified.
Kashrut is necessary for the future of the Jewish people.
I kept a kosher home for 48 years until moving to Hilton Head, South Carolina. Now I keep a kosher-style home because aquiring kosher food is difficult.
What I eat, how I prepare it and where I buy it are not intrinsic to my sense of being Jewish.
Vegan is the new kosher.
I buy kosher meat but have one set of dishes.
My parents did but my husband’s family didn’t. It was easier to side with them.
Keeping kosher is an extraordinary financial hardship for poorer families. In addition, kosher slaughter of meat says nothing about ethical treatment of the animals while they are alive.
We do not eat pork or shellfish but otherwise are not kosher.
I have two sets of dishes and pots, no pork or shellfish and no mixing milk and meat, but I do not buy kosher meats. I rarely eat meat.
Even if one eats out, kashrut in our homes, exacerbates a connection to our historical identity and attitude, not to mention halacha. It’s a happy and meaningful connection to our people and our foundations. PJC
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