Dating a Guy Who’s Jewish?

First impressions last. If it’s your first time to go out with a Jewish guy, there are some things you might want to keep in mind to make your date a success. Jews have their own dietary rules, and while most don’t observe this strictly, it would certainly impress him if you knew your way around food. As they say, the best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.

In Jewish law, certain animals may not be eaten at all. Among the forbidden animals are pigs, camels, rock badger, rabbits, lobsters, oysters, shrimp, clams and crabs. This restriction includes the flesh, organs, eggs and milk of the forbidden animals. Rodents, reptiles, amphibians, and insects are also prohibited (Leviticus 11:1-30).

However, sheep, cattle, goats, deer, bison, chicken, geese, ducks, turkeys, tuna, carp, salmon, and herring are acceptable. Acceptable foods are called kosher. Of the animals that may be eaten, the birds and mammals must be killed in accordance with Jewish law. Jews may not eat animals that died of natural causes or were killed by other animals. In addition, the animal must have no disease or flaws in the organs at the time of slaughter. These restrictions do not apply to fish; only to flocks and herds. All blood must be drained from the meat or broiled out of it before it is eaten, as Jewish law prohibits consumption of blood. Certain parts of permitted animals may not be eaten, like the fat which surrounds the vital organs and the liver. When in doubt, consult a trusted Jewish meat shop.

Fruits and vegetables are permitted, but they must be inspected for bugs. Meat (the flesh of birds and mammals) cannot be eaten with dairy. Fish, eggs, fruits, vegetables and grains can be eaten with either meat or dairy. According to some views, fish may not be eaten with meat.

Utensils that have come into contact with meat may not be used with dairy, and vice versa. Utensils that have come into contact with non-kosher food may not be used with kosher food. This applies only where the contact occurred while the food was hot. Grape products made by non-Jews may not be eaten.

If all these rules confuse you, you’ll be glad to know that the task of keeping kosher is greatly simplified by widespread certification. Approximately 75% of prepackaged foods carry a symbol denoting the rabbi or organization that certified the product. This does not involve blessing the food; rather, it involves examining the ingredients and processes used. Certain restaurants also place signs claiming they serve kosher food. Try to look for restaurant reviews online to find the best places in your area.