OTHER PRACTICES OR RESTRICTIONS
Other practices, or restrictions which have not been included in the
preceding sections, are discussed in the following paragraphs.
Autopsy
Autopsy is not permitted except in unusual circumstances.
Cremation
Cremation is prohibited. Burial in the earth is required.
Medical Treatment
There are no restrictions on medical treatment.
Dietary Laws or Restrictions (Kashrut/Koshur)
Pork and its derivatives are forbidden.
Animals that do not have split hooves and chew their cud are
forbidden.
Seafood without fins and scales and certain fowl are forbidden.
There must be a complete separation of milk and meat; separate
utensils must be used for preparing milk and meat.
The degree of adherence to Jewish dietary traditions varies rather widely
among Jewish personnel. Many Jews in the military are averse to eating
foods traditionally prohibited (pork products and shellfish, for example).
There is a smaller group of Jewish personnel who, on religious grounds, will
avoid all meat dishes or all cooked foods served in the dining facility. For
Jewish persons who have such food problems, a Jewish layleader can often
provide great help. Frequently a food service officer or a Mess Management
Specialist can make available foods which are permitted, even to a strict
Kashrut observer, like fruit and juice; dry cereal; eggs in the shell; canned
salmon, tuna fish, or sardines; raw vegetables; etc. At some installations,
permission may be obtained for the Jewish member to have kosher food
heated separately in the unit mess: It is also possible to apply for separate
rations.
For strict Kashrut observers, the National Jewish Welfare Board will
provide canned, kosher, protein food through the office of the chaplain. At
this writing, the following varieties are available: fish, chicken, meatballs in
gravy, beef and rice, and assorted soups. These cans of food are intended as
supplements to the diet of Kashrut-observing Jewish members who have no
households of their own. There is not enough variety (nor are there sufficient
quantities) to constitute the sole diet.
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