Ten Step Program to Kosher Living
Step 1: Purchase only kosher packaged products for your home
You may be surprised to see that many of the products you currently purchase at the local supermarket are kosher. Next time you make a trip to the grocery, check it out. You may not have to change too many items. So maybe it'll be easier than you think. Give it a try!
Step 2: Purchase only kosher meat.
We have a wonderful kosher market just down the street; South Florida Kosher Meats is located in the white shopping center on the southeast corner of Sample and Lyons Roads. If you want a shopping partner, just let me know. As you can see, keeping a kosher home is not all that difficult. Try these two steps and see how it goes. Don't give up if something seems too difficult or you have a question.
Step 3: Separate Meat and dairy products.
As part of your new eating habits, eat meat and dairy products separately. This means no more cheeseburgers (get the last one in now), or chicken parmesan. But those can be easily and very tastily substituted with veggie cheeseburgers and eggplant parmesan. Some of you already do this and don't even realize it. That's probably the way you were raised. For the rest of us, once you get used to this eating pattern, it will be as natural as what you're doing today.
Step 4: Eliminate shellfish and non-kosher animals.
Shellfish includes shrimp, lobster, crabs, clams, mussels and all crustaceans. The most notable of the non-kosher animals is the pig (pork, bacon, ham). There are some wonderful substitutes for these foods if and when you're ready. Personally, I just do without them. The health benefits to me --my cholesterol dropped 50 points in a year! -- Sure, I eat more cheese, but not enough to make up the difference.
Step 5: Do not eat meat or shellfish in restaurants.
This means dairy products (eggs, cheese, etc.) veggies, pasta and fish are the big menu items. You may think this sounds difficult, but with today's menus and health consciousness, its' not bad. Plus, there are health related benefits that may not be apparent on the surface. so, no need to start cooking every night because you've chosen kashrut as a way of life. Just a couple of adjustments along the way.
Step 6: Wait three hours between eating meat and dairy (from dairy to meat is only a 30 minute wait).
What this means is that, if you have chicken for dinner, you can't have ice-cream for dessert until three hours later (if you live in my house that would be 11:00 PM). But if you have a cheese omelet and then decide an hour later that a roast beef sandwich is in order, please be my guest. If you're anything like me, dairy will become a bigger part of your diet. Ice cream and all the really good cookies (including the newly kosher Oreo's) are all dairy. So, a little more planning is in order when deciding on a meal. Don't forget, this pertains to the kids lunch too. Turkey sandwiches don't go with pretzels with an OU-d certification, or the average chocolate candy bar as dessert. It's not as difficult as it sounds, but does take some planning ahead. Just talk to your kosher friends and see what they have found works for them.
Step 7: Purchase any necessary replacement items.
Now that you have grown accustomed to a kosher eating pattern, it's time to bite the bullet and purchase the necessary items to kasher your home. If you haven't already received it, the "Making Your Kitchen Kosher: A Step-by-Step Guide" booklet published by Temple Beth Am will help you determine what you might need. Contact the office for a copy. Then I would suggest having Rabbi Plotkin or a member of the Kosher Korps come to your home to help determine what items can be kashered. Remember, your purchases don't have to be expensive (but don't tell Sam I said that) but should be items you and your family will feel comfortable living with. Get your kids involved. My stepdaughter, Sara, who lives in Oklahoma was here on vacation the year we kashered our home. She was a big help in picking out dishes and silverware. Now when she comes to visit, she knows she's been an integral part of our new lifestyle.
Step 8: Kasher the kitchen and celebrate!
Okay, so you made it this far and now it's the "BIG STEP". Here's where TBA can really be your friend. Give me a call and let us help you go the extra step. It would be a good idea to have a copy of the Scribe with Rabbi Plotkin's instructions for kashering for Pesach in addition to the "Making Your Kitchen Kosher: A Step-by-Step Guide" booklet, published by Temple Beth Am. You can definitely make this a family affair, with the kids helping and any relatives or friends that are interested in kashrut or familiar with it. Remember, enjoy yourselves and think about the rewards you will receive in the future.
Step 9: Sit back and enjoy!
Now that daylight savings time is with us, think about having a celebratory barbecue and inviting your friends to share with you (if you have questions about kashering your grill please contact me or Rabbi Plotkin). Sam and I had our first 'kosher" barbecue on Labor Day. What a great day! Chicken and hot dogs never tasted so good. Since that time, we have enjoyed many kosher celebrations, each one more special than the last. Remember, the rewards will be coming for the rest of your life. So enjoy your new eating habits, be happy and celebrate.
Step 10: Invite non-kosher families to dinner.
Think about not just a barbecue, but Shabbat and Yom Tov meals, where you can truly enjoy your new lifestyle with those that are closest to you. Let them know that the choice you have made is a great one - with plenty of good food and family togetherness. (If you have a dairy meal you can even break out the Oreo's). Try to remember that not everyone understands the choice you made and may be uncomfortable with it. Some people may have questions - even questions you may not be able to answer. That's part of what the new experience is all about. Learning , sharing, loving, caring. Wonderful steps to guide you to a very fulfilling life. Enjoy the journey!
