Why Is Kosher So Appealing to Goyim? Author Sue Fishkoff Explains at JCCSF

By Mary Ladd Thu., Oct. 14 2010 at 9:45 AM

Categories: Books, Events

If you're like us, the reasons for grabbing packets of kosher chicken are tough to explain. We have a general notion that kosher meat is better in some way, and we're willing to shell out a little extra for its allure, even though we're not of "the tribe."

In fact, says author Sue Fishkoff, 85 percent of the 11.2 million Americans who buy kosher are not in fact Jewish. Instead, they tend to suffer from food allergies or are Muslim, vegetarian, or Seventh-Day Adventists. Fishkoff has written a book called Kosher Nation: Why More and More of America's Food Answers to a Higher Authority (Schocken, $27.95). Fishkoff talked to food manufacturers, rabbinic supervisors, and ritual slaughterers as well as eco-kosher adherents. She'll discuss her book ― including the darker side of corruption and kashrut scandals that are part of kosher food history ― at the JCCSF next month. Tickets are $10-$20,and since it's still early, plenty are still available.

Kosher Nation Book Discussion
When: Wed., Nov. 3, 7 p.m.
Where: Jewish Community Center of San Francisco, 3200 California (at Presidio)
Cost: $10 (students), $17 (JCC members), $20 (general public)
To purchase, call 292-1233

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