What Does “Kosher” Mean?
The word “kosher” comes from the Hebrew כָּשֵׁר (kasher), which literally means “fit,” “valid,” or “compliant.” In Judaism, this term primarily refers to what is permitted for consumption according to the Torah, but its meaning extends far beyond food. To be kosher is to be aligned with the Creator’s will in what we eat, what we do, and who we are.
“The basis of the laws of kashrut is found in the Book of Leviticus: “You shall consecrate yourselves and be holy, for I am holy.” (Leviticus 11:44). Kosher, according to the Torah, is a divine law of choice.”
The concept of kosher is therefore linked to holiness (kedusha). The permitted animals are clearly defined: those that chew the cud and have cloven hooves, as well as fish with fins and scales. In addition to this, there is the ritual slaughter (shechita) and the prohibition against mixing meat and milk.
The Ramban (Nahmanides) explains that these laws are not only sanitary but also spiritual. In his commentary on Leviticus 11, he writes that forbidden animals generate a spiritual impurity that affects the nature of the human soul: “These foods create a thickening in the heart and close off a person’s spiritual sensitivity.” — Ramban’s commentary on Leviticus 11.
Thus, from the text we learn that eating kosher concerns not only the body but also has to do with the soul and the moral perception of the human being.
Kosher as an Education of the Soul (Ben Ish Hai)
The Ben Ish Hai (Rabbi Yosef Chaim of Baghdad) elaborates on this idea in his teachings on the sanctity of food. He teaches that food directly influences the quality of prayer, wisdom, and moral conduct. In his work Ben Ish Chai—Parashat Shemot, he states that a person who eats pure foods develops a clearer intellect and a heart more sensitive to the Torah: “Kosher food illuminates the soul, while forbidden food darkens the mind.”
For him, being kosher therefore means being able to receive divine light. It is a form of inner education: each meal becomes an act of spiritual discipline and a constant reminder that God is part of daily life.
Furthermore, texts from the Talmud looked at being “kosher” in actions and words. The concept of kashrut is extended to include human behavior. In everyday Jewish language, to say that a person is kosher means that they are upright, sincere, and honest. According to the Talmud, “His ways are gentle ways, and all his paths are peace.” (Proverbs 3:17).
This means that a person can eat perfectly kosher food, but if their actions are corrupt, they are not truly “kosher” in God’s eyes. True kosherness also encompasses the following:
- Manner of speaking
- Probity in business dealings
- Faithfulness in keeping commitments
- Respect for others
Thus, a kosher life is one founded on holiness, order, justice, and restraint.
Educational Application for Bantu Jews
The Bantu Jews are indigenous African Jewish communities rooted in Bantu-speaking societies, particularly in parts of Central and Eastern Africa. They practice Judaism while preserving distinct African cultural identities, blending Jewish tradition with local customs, language, and communal life. For Bantu Israelites in present-day Cameroon, understanding kashrut is not simply about learning Jewish dietary laws but about re-establishing a sacred identity. Being kosher means:
- Reconciling with the Torah
- Purifying one’s body and soul
- Distinguishing oneself from secular practices
- Restoring ancestral holiness
Kosher then becomes a tool for spiritual and cultural rebirth, a return to the Covenant.
In conclusion, according to Ramban and Ben Ish Chai, kashrut is not a constraint but a path of inner transformation. It elevates the individual, educates the heart, and purifies the mind. Ultimately, being kosher is not just about eating according to the Torah; it is about becoming a person who conforms to God’s will.
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