What is Kosher?

“Your body always knows what to do, if you can only move your mind out of the way.” --Jacqueline Holland, THE GOD OF ENDINGS

It’s time for another visit to New York City. This time it’s a Family Affair. Sam (Samson) Hirsch is having his 70th Birthday Party. He lives in Flushing, NY with his common law wife, Miriam (never married but living together for years). Sam is the maternal grandfather of Lauren and Carrie. Sam is Susan’s father. Susan is Alan’s ex-wife.  

I took plenty of photos of the Alan, me, Gloria, Jack, and the girls.  

The birthday party for Sam took place at a Kosher Restaurant. What is Kosher? Well, I had heard the term but I came to realize that it’s a term used and derived from the word KASHRUT which deals with the set of dietary laws dealing with the foods that Jewish people are permitted to eat and how those foods must be prepared according to Jewish law. Food that may be consumed is deemed KOSHER from the Ashkenazi pronunciation of the Hebrew KASHER (meaning fit for consumption).  

The rules and details of the laws of being kosher are numerous and complex. Only certain types of mammals, birds and fish meet the KOSHER criteria. Pork, frogs and shellfish are forbidden. Meat and meat derivatives may never be mixed with milk.  

And so, we ate at a KOSHER restaurant in NY because Miriam’s daughters are somewhat more religious than most and the party had to be at a KOSHER restaurant. Who knew that there were public establishments that were KOSHER? I thought one would practice KOSHER eating at one’s own home. I supposed we learn something new every day. 

Sometimes the word KOSHER is used as an adjective implying whether 'whatever subject' OKAY or NOT OKAY. Is it Kosher? Is it OKAY? "Hey, that is NOT Kosher!" = "Hey, that is NOT Okay!"

The party was fun as was New York City exploration. I had my share of eating whatever I felt like it. My mind wasn’t thinking. I just ate, knowing my body would pay for it. Shame on me...but how can I ignore New York pizza and New York cheesecake, etc.  

I took photos here and there and the many photos must be posted here as mini-collages because there are too many to be explained. I think the photos tell a story in and of themselves. 

My cousin Edward Espinosa in Alburquerque, NM sent me another note. It was waiting for me once we returned home to Los Angeles: 

Dear Michael, 

I received the photos the same day I talked to you. Thanks for getting them. I think they’re great and so does everyone that has seen them. 

I’m jealous of your Italian trip but I think it’s terrific. I’ll send you the list of what I want you to bring me as soon as I find the appropriate catalog! 

Clif and Mario are coming d the first weekend of the Balloon Festival and a young man I met in Rochester, NY last summer is coming the second weekend. The whole thing is 2-weeks, but the weekends are more fun. It’s full of city parties—like Mardi Gras in New Orleans. I love having house guests. It’s always a big party. 

You can come any time you can. You’ve got a home away from home! Again, thank you for the pictures. Say HI to Alan. 

Edward  

“Mark my words, if you study hard, anything is possible.” --Adeline Yen Mah, CHINESE CINDERELLA