Kosher designation

[Riotous84]

So...the Kotex pads are Kosher because? I saw the "U", came here and realized that it makes sense for consumables and things in contact with food just as Cecil said, but cunnilingus jokes aside, why would my pads be Kosher?

[rlsentell]

In this case I think you're just mistaking the new "U by Kotex" branding for the unrelated symbol of the Orthodox Union.

But some sanitary feminine products are actually certified kosher (I don't know if "U by Kotex" is one of them; it might be, if the symbol does appear on the packaging).

Talmudic law indicates that the kosher laws (kashrut) are not necessary if the product in question is "unfit for consumption by a dog". Thus most cosmetic and medicinal products are generally excepted.

However for those ultra-religious Jews who are scrupulously exacting about the kosher regulations, many non-food consumables are manufactured with a kosher certification. One may purchase kosher-certified oral and rectal medications, aluminum foil and paper/plastic dishware, dinner napkins and dishwashing soap, shampoo and toothpaste, etc.

Dawn and Palmolive soaps, for example, generally bear a kosher symbol. For other products, such as acetometaphin or ibuprofen tablets, you probably won't find a certified-kosher version unless you live in a heavily Jewish area - or many kosher sales sites on the internet.

[Riotous84]

Rl,

Thanks for helping me to clear that up...those Kotex folks have no idea what kinds of associations I had begun to make...Gracias!

[John W. Kennedy]

Kosher soap also comes in two colors, to distinguish the soap for dishes used for meat from the soap for dishes used for dairy.

[C K Dexter Haven]

Moderator comment: I'm not sure why this is in the forum for comments on Cecil's columns? Hence, I've moved it to General Questions, where you may find a larger response group (although I think this is probably asked and answered.)

[md2000]

So if you put a paper plate onto a dairy (china) plate does that make it OK to put meat on the paper plate in that configuration? How about Saran Wrap instead of a paper plate?

[carnivorousplant]

Originally Posted by md2000

So if you put a paper plate onto a dairy (china) plate does that make it OK to put meat on the paper plate in that configuration? How about Saran Wrap instead of a paper plate?

...And G-d says, "Oy, Moses, do whatever you want!"

[MikeS]

And here I thought it was going to be a certification that it wasn't made out of mixed fibers.

[dropzone]

Originally Posted by Riotous84

So...the Kotex pads are Kosher because?

Don't see how it matters since a menstruating woman, and everything she touches, is unclean already.

[md2000]

Is a hogshead of ale unclean?

[md2000]

Originally Posted by carnivorousplant

...And G-d says, "Oy, Moses, do whatever you want!"

Seriously, this came up recently. Someone asked if the resource lady had any meatless plates, and she said she had some that she had never used with meat, but she had no guarantee what the kindergardeners might have put on it for one of their activities when she was not looking. (Obviously not a very very strict place) Her response was "How strict do they want to be?" and noted they had paper plates. So I was wondering if the surface is the important thing, or if the whole assembly has to be correct.

[carnivorousplant]

Originally Posted by md2000

So I was wondering if the surface is the important thing, or if the whole assembly has to be correct.

I too an interested. When confronted by the issue, I obviously tell the joke I referred to.

[md2000]

To reply to the OP, I was at first wondering if this was "meat vs. dairy" issue related, or related to pork and other unkosher items... Fish with no scales? The jokes are unlimited.

[cmkeller]

md2000:

So if you put a paper plate onto a dairy (china) plate does that make it OK to put meat on the paper plate in that configuration? How about Saran Wrap instead of a paper plate?

Paper, probably not, because paper leaks through. Saran Wrap is good, though it's recommended that you use two layers, to make sure there are no leaks.

Nonetheless, it's not recommended to use the same dish for milk and meat simple because it's easy to forget, and end up using it the wrong way for the wrong thing.

[Riotous84]

Yes, the jokes are limitless, as are the surrounding questions (as evidenced)...who knew my sleep deprived misunderstanding would lead to all this? I continue to be enthralled...

[rlsentell]

Originally Posted by MikeS

And here I thought it was going to be a certification that it wasn't made out of mixed fibers.

Actually that's an interesting point, which I didn't consider. But today I think the pads are mostly made from paper and/or plastic, so it's probably irrelevant.

The better one is ... since you can't tear any product on the Sabbath, you can't use toilet paper (yes, these folks take this sort of thing extremely seriously!).

Visit any ultra-Orthodox or Hasidic synagogue and excuse yourself to the restroom. Or take my word for it. You will find boxes and boxes of Kleenex-style facial tissue. (Hint: it ain't for your nose.)