Judaism imposes rather strict dietary laws called Kashrut specify which food may or may not be eaten and how it is to be prepared and eaten. Permissible food prepared in the right way is know as kosher food. Certain animals may not be eaten at all. These include, but are not limited to, pigs, rabbits, reptiles, and shellfish. Mammals that have split hooves and chew their cud, (including cows, sheep, goats, oxen, deer) are kosher. Some birds are kosher, others are not. Birds of prey and scavengers are not permitted: other birds such as chicken, ducks and turkey are. Only fish with fins and scales are permitted. Meat cannot be eaten with dairy. Grape products, such as wine, made by non-Jews are not kosher. These and other rules make it very difficult for a non-Jew to invite Jewish friends to lunch or dinner or to an occasion where food is served.
