People have asked me to go into a little detail on what it means to keep kosher. I've discussed this topic superficially before, but I thought I'd go into some more detail, and over the next few posts provide some resources, cookbooks and other points to ponder. Right now I'll start with a few myths and truths.

MYTH #1: Keeping kosher is hard.
TRUTH: People often think that keeping kosher is hard - I think it's one of those things that may look that way from the outside looking in.

MYTH #2: Keeping kosher is just for Orthodox Jews.
Truth: Keeping kosher is in the Torah, and therefore applies to everyone. Different denominations may interpret the laws of keeping kosher differently, but you will find Jews of all denominations who keep kosher.

MYTH #3: Keeping kosher is healthier than non-kosher food.
TRUTH: Although I'd love to say that this is true, there's no evidence to show that this is the case. I'd say that people who keep kosher binge on pizza and beer just as much as those who don't keep kosher.

MYTH #4: Kosher food isn't as tasty as non-kosher food.
TRUTH: I think any food is tasty if you cook it well. This myth probably comes from the traditional old world Jewish cooking which was made from few ingredients by necessity, as many if not most Jews from Eastern Europe were not well off. Modern conveniences, as well as accessibility to many more ingredients year round that are affordable, and the publication of many kosher cookbooks makes kosher cooking just as appetizing as non-kosher cooking.

MYTH #5: Keeping kosher is expensive.
TRUTH: This is the only one on my list that has a small amount of truth to it. Chances are, if you don't keep kosher, most of the food you purchase is kosher anyway without you even being aware of it. Fruits and vegetables are kosher. Many popular products - major juice brands, many General Mills and Post cereals, as well as most Mars brand chocolate are kosher. Oreo cookies are kosher. Milk is kosher. So for the majority of your groceries, you'd be paying the same amount. The difference comes in meat/ poultry and cheese products. Because of the requirements and level of involvement with assuring the kosher status of meat and poultry, as well as supply and demand, kosher meat and poultry tends to be more expensive. Kosher cheese can also be a bit more pricey. The difference between these kosher items and non-kosher items will generally depend upon your geographic location. But with a family of four (with one in diapers and formula) and keeping kosher I can still manage to spend about $300 - $400 a month on groceries, so I think we manage okay.