Jewish law differs from modern legal systems in that it regulates all areas of human life, including diet. Kashrut is the Hebrew term for the dietary rules of Jewish law, that, among other things, stipulate which animals are allowed to be consumed and which not, ritual slaughter of animals fit for consumption, methods of preparing meat ensuring that all the blood drains from it, combination of different food groups, and preparation, serving, storage and consumption of milk and meat because the two are prohibited to be mixed. Kosher food is food that is fit for consumption because it conforms to the rules of kashrut and as such forms an important part of Jewish culture. Kashrut is classified as a religious or ritual part of Jewish law, which governs the relationship of Jews with their God. Dietary rules are based on God's precepts derived from the Torah – the Jewish holiest five books, striving for the sanctity of person, space and time. The rules of kashrut present a bridge between the visible and the invisible, food serving as a means of reaching the invisible, when Jews connect with God and make a spiritual ritual out of eating. It follows that the main reason for the legal regulation of diet is in fact taking care for the soul or spiritual well-being. Eating kosher food denotes Jews from others, therefore, observing kashrut contributes to the preservation of Jewish identity. Jews train themselves in spiritual discipline with their dietary choices, fulfill God's will and walk the path commanded by Him, devote themselves to God and become holy.
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