Dacor And The Kosher Kitchen Kosher 101

DACORand THE KOSHER KITCHENBy Rhonda Chen & Leah Renah

WHAT IS KOSHER? Kosher - is an adaptation of the Hebrew word meaning “fit” or “proper.” It refers to foodstuffs that meet the dietary requirements of Jewish law. The tenets of Kashruth (kosher dietary laws) are rooted in the written and oral Torah (The Bible). In the post-biblical era, the rabbis elaborated upon these laws to determine which foods are acceptable and conform to the Jewish code. (Leviticus 11.1-46) Keeping kosher is an intrinsic part of the daily life of a Jew. Understanding the fundamentals of kashruth is basic to the functioning of the Jewish home.

WHAT IS KOSHER ? cont’d… The barometer of kosher and non-kosher depends on two variables: the source of the ingredients and the status of the production equipment. Kosher certification, which is the guarantee that the food and equipment used meets kosher requirements, revolves around both these criteria. Kosher food is divided into three(3) categories: Meat, Dairy, and Pareve. One of the basic principles of kashruth is the total separation of meat and dairy products. Meat and dairy may not be cooked or eaten together. To ensure this, the kosher kitchen contains separate sets of dishes, utensils, cookware, and separate preparation areas for meat and dairy. A third category, pareve, is comprised of foods which are neither meat nor dairy.

MEAT and DAIRY “You shall not boil a kid in milk of its mother.” (Exodus 23:19) Meat and dairy foods may not be prepared, cooked, or eaten together. The separation of meat and dairy must be maintained throughout the kitchen. It is therefore good to have two of everything (i.e. Ovens, Cooktops, Dishwashers, Sinks and Cooking Surfaces). Meat (fleishig) and Dairy (milchig): In keeping with the total separation of meat and dairy required in the kosher kitchen, separate sets of dishes, pots, silverware, serving dishes, bread trays and salt shakers are also needed. Other necessities are separate sets of draining boards, draining racks, dish sponges, scouring pads, dish towels, and tablecloths. A very practical and widespread practice in Jewish homes is to plan the different sets of meat and dairy utensils around a color scheme. A traditional example is red for meat, blue for dairy, as well as green for pareve. Draining racks, sponges and dishtowels are key elements in this color system.

Sabbath (Exodus 20:8-11) Rosh Hashana (Numbers 29:1-6) Yom Kippur (Numbers 29:7-11) Sukkot (Numbers 29:12-16) Chanukah Tu B’Shvat Purim Passover (Numbers 28:16-25) Shavuot Tzom Tammuz Tisha B’Av Rosh Chodesh THE HOLIDAYS

SABBATH (Shabbat) “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy…in it you shall not do any work.” Exodus 20:8-11 Sabbath is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar and it is also a holiday that happens each week, Friday night at sundown to Saturday night at sundown.

Carrying Burning Extinguishing Finishing Writing Erasing Cooking Washing Sewing Tearing Knotting Untying Shaping Plowing Planting Reaping Harvesting Threshing Winnowing Selecting Sifting Grinding Kneading Combing Spinning Dyeing Chain Stitching Warping Weaving Unraveling Building Demolishing Trapping Shearing Slaughtering Skinning Tanning Smoothing Marking THE 39 THINGS NOT TO DO ON SABBATH There are 39 categories of "work" that are prohibited on the Sabbath. These are called "Melachah". These categories are:

BURNING This is a category of work mentioned specifically in the Torah, (Ex. 35:3), “You shall not light a fire at home on the Sabbath day.” This involves making a fire or causing anything to burn. In general, any use of electricity violates the spirit of the Sabbath, since it involves extracting energy from nature. According to many authorities, electricity has the same status as fire with regard to the Sabbath. The practice of all observant Jews is to avoid turning any electrical appliance on or off. EXTINGUISHING This includes extinguishing or lowering a flame in any way.As such, it is the opposite of burning. For example, one may not turn down the gas on a stove or heater on Shabbat. Similarly, it is forbidden to turn off the lights or any other electrical appliance. The Sabbath, however, may be violated wherever there is any possible danger to human life. In the case of a fire, anything necessary must be done where life may be endangered.

COOKING This includes all forms of cooking and baking. Boiling water also falls under this category. The prohibition against cooking does not prevent Jews from eating hot food on the Shabbat. In fact, part of the Sabbath joy consists of eating hot food. However, this must be prepared in such a manner that no act of cooking actually takes place on the Sabbath.

WHY BE “KOSHER CERTIFIED?”

The Kosher market is growing at an annual rate of 15% In order to meet this demand, companies throughout the world are seeking kosher certification to expand their existing market and enhance sales strategies, as well as giving their products a competitive edge. Going kosher is an investment your company makes in order to increase their market reach and share. Nearly 10,000 companies produce products for the kosher market. Approximately 3,000 new kosher products are introduced annually There are over 75,000 different kosher food products. Consumers spend approximately $165 billion on kosher products vs. $25 million 25 years ago. THE GLOBAL DEMAND FOR KOSHER Interesting facts about the Kosher market (Data compiled by Integrated Marketing Communications, Inc.)

The “Kosher seal” is equivalent to what the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval meant in the 1950’s. Consumers who believe kosher is better, comprise 25% of the market. Health conscious people see “benefits in the quality control and lack of additives” in kosher foods. The kosher symbol, with the monitoring and care it represents, ensures the highest quality standards to the largest and most diverse consumer audience. MARKS OF QUALITY ASSURANCE (Data compiled by Integrated Marketing Communications, Inc.)

Jewish, Islamic, Seventh Day Adventists and other Christian communities have dietary restrictions similar to Judaism; Lactose intolerant individuals and vegetarians. Millions of Muslims throughout the world follow a dietary regimen similar to the kosher code. Lactose Intolerants: Need to identify products that have dairy in them. Kosher law requires complete segregation between meat and milk. Thus, products containing a dairy ingredient must bear the kosher symbol with the letter “D” or state the word “Dairy.” Vegetarians: Kosher symbols plus the “Pareve” designation guarantees that the product contains no meat or dairy. WHO BUYS KOSHER? (Data compiled by Integrated Marketing Communications, Inc.)

Some of the appliances listed below may be used* on the Sabbath or Jewish High Holidays… Microwaves cannot be used on Sabbath or Jewish High Holidays. Dishwashers may not be put on a timer for use on either the Sabbath or High Holidays. DACOR APPLIANCES THAT ARE STAR-K CERTIFIED AND SABBATH COMPLIANT: ,[object Object]

Electric Cooktops (select models)

Warming Ovens* Use of these items must follow Jewish law pertaining to these days.

There are certain restrictions in the use of ovens and stoves on the Sabbath and Holidays. If you are ever unfamiliar with any of the laws of keeping food warm on the Sabbath or cooking on the holidays, you should call a Rabbi. Also note, when a holiday and Sabbath coincide, the Sabbath laws prevail. The following is a list of general considerations for oven use on the Sabbath: SABBATH CONSIDERATIONS No adjustment to the temperature is permitted on the Sabbath even in the Sabbath Mode. All food must be fully cooked and placed in the oven before the Sabbath begins. No food (cooked or non-cooked) may be placed into the oven on Sabbath to re-warm or cook. This is true regarding ovens or warming drawers. On Sabbath, for a thermostatically controlled oven that is running (as opposed to one shut off by timed bake), the door may be opened once at any time and all the food removed at that time. The oven may not be used any further for that Sabbath. The controls of an oven that is left on for Sabbath (or part of the Sabbath with a timed bake) should be covered with something like a piece of aluminum foil.

Model Numbers: SGM 304, 365, 466, 464GG ESG 366, 486 EOG 36, 52 PGM 304*, 365* DACOR GAS COOKTOPS/GRILLS On Sabbath, a flame may not be initiated, adjusted or turned off. On Sabbath, a “blech” should be used to cover the flame in addition to covering the controls. Cabinets holding gas cooktops should be vented properly. This should minimize the possibility of the flame blowing out under the “blech” when drawers are closed. Even then, drawers and doors should be moved slowly near the “blech.” On Yom Tov, an existing flame may be raised or lowered for cooking requirements. However, a flame may not be initiated or turned completely off on Yom Tov. * When adjusting the flame of these models on Yom Tov, the front burners must either be left in the simmer setting or out of the simmer setting, since transitioning between simmer and non-simmer causes an indicator light to go on/off. These gas cooktops will remain on during a power failure.

Model Numbers: PCS 127,227, 130, 230 PCD 227, 230 ECD 227, 230 MCS 127, 227, 130, 230 MCD 227, 230 ECS 127, 227, 130, 136, 230 DACOR ELECTRIC BUILT-IN OVENS The oven temperatures may not be initiated, adjusted or turned off on the Sabbath OR the holidays. On Sabbath, in lieu of a “blech,” the oven controls should be covered. (Be careful not to cover vent openings.) On the Sabbath, the oven door may only be opened once, all the food removed and then closed. On the Holidays, the oven door may be opened/closed at any time as often as desired. These ovens often have a timed bake feature. Timed bake will hold the requested temperature for the requested time. At the end of the requested time, the oven beeps three times, holds 150 degrees for another two hours and then shuts off completely. While the oven is operating, the oven door may be opened once, all the food taken out and then closed. At the end of the two hour hold period, the oven may be opened/closed at will. This applies only to the Sabbath, whereas on the holidays, the oven door may be opened/closed at any time as often as desired.

Model Numbers: CER 304, 365 CERB 365 DACOR ELECTRIC COOKTOPS On Sabbath, electric heat may not be initiated, adjusted or turned off. On Sabbath, a “blech” should be used. It is recommended not putting a “blech” on the glass surface. Instead, just the controls should be covered. On Yom Tov, electric heat may not be initiated. However, for cooking requirements, once on, the temperature may be raised when the ribbon heating element cycles to full glow. Lowering the temperature is permitted at any time if required for food preparation. (Practice adjustments on the electric cooktops before Yom Tov.) If a power failure occurs, the cooktop will recover to the set temperature when the power returns. The glass electric cooktop cannot be kashered for Passover. For the rest of the year, be sure to wipe the cooking surface clean between meat and dairy use.

Model Numbers: (RSE 30) RSD 30 (PGR 30) ERD 30, 36, 48, 60 ERDE 36, 48 EGR 30 DACOR RANGES COOKTOPS: On Sabbath, a gas flame or electric heat may not be initiated, adjusted or turned off. On Sabbath, a “blech” should be used to cover the flame in addition to covering the controls. For the gas burners use a standard “blech.” It is recommended not to put a “blech” on the glass surface for the electric burners. Instead, just the controls should be covered. On Yom Tov, an existing gas flame may be raised or lowered for cooking requirements. However, a gas flame may not be initiated or turned completely off. The electric part of the cooktop may not be turned on. However, for cooking requirements, once on, the temperature for the electric part of the cooktop may be raised when the ribbon heating element cycles to full glow. Lowering the temperature is permitted at any time if required for food preparation. (Practice adjustments on the electric cooktop before Yom Tov.) During a power failure, gas cooktops the flame will remain on, whereas electric cooktops will recover to the set temperature when the power returns. The glass electric cooktop cannot be kashered for Passover. For the rest of the year, be sure to wipe the cooking surface clean between meat and dairy use.

Dacor And The Kosher Kitchen Kosher 101

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Dacor And The Kosher Kitchen Kosher 101