Food Restrictions in Judaism

    A major issue growing in Hinsdale Central is awareness of Jewish dietary restrictions. As part of their faith, Jews follow the laws of Kashrut. This means that they can only eat foods that are Kosher. They can only eat meat that comes from animal that has split hooves and chews it's own cud. This forbids animals like pigs form being eaten. Animals also have to be slaughtered in accordance with Jewish ritual. Also, meat and dairy cannot be mixed or eaten together. Many students in the school have been making complaints that there are not enough food options being provided by Quest food services to meet their religious dietary guidelines.

    To remedy this issue, I propose  that Quest begins to provide a Kosher meal option that includes completely Kosher foods. This would mean that they would have to purchase Kosher meat in addition to the meat for the normal food options. They will also have to ensure that they are following other rules such as not mixing meat and dairy. If this is done, it will ensure that Jewish students are receiving the nutritious food that they need to succeed in school.

    There is another issue that students are complaining about that relates to Passover. Passover is a very import Jewish holiday that lasts seven days. It commemorates the Israelites being freed from slavery in Egypt. During Passover, Jews are forbidden from eating anything made from grains that can ferment. These grains are wheat, barley, spelt, oats and rye. This means that they cannot eat any bread or other food that is made from these grains. Instead they will make bread from a type of wheat flour called matzah meal that is allowed because it does not ferment. From this they will make things like matzah bread which is unleavened. During Passover, it is important that Quest accommodate the special restrictions by excluding anything made from those five grains.