Catfish is not considered kosher in Judaism. This is because the Torah explicitly states that for a fish to be kosher, it must have both fins and scales. Catfish, unfortunately, does not meet this criteria as it lacks scales.
The concept of kosher food is an important aspect of Jewish dietary laws, known as kashrut. These laws provide guidelines for what Jews can and cannot eat, with the aim of promoting spiritual and physical well-being. The Torah outlines the specific characteristics that fish must possess to be considered kosher. It states, “Everything in the waters that has fins and scales, whether in the seas or in the rivers, you may eat.” (Leviticus 11:9)
While the Torah does not explicitly mention every species of fish, it establishes a general rule that fish must have both fins and scales. This rule is followed by all segments of Judaism, including Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform.
The reason behind the requirement for fish to have both fins and scales is not explicitly stated in the Torah. However, some explanations have been offered by Jewish scholars and commentators over the centuries. One possible reason is that fins and scales are seen as signs of a healthy fish, indicating that it is less likely to be diseased or harmful to consume. Additionally, the laws of kashrut serve as a way to separate Jews from non-Jews, and the dietary restrictions may have been a way to reinforce Jewish identity and practice.
In personal experiences within the Jewish community, I have witnessed the adherence to these dietary laws. I have seen kosher certification symbols on food products, indicating that they have been produced in accordance with Jewish dietary laws. I have also observed individuals carefully checking the labels of fish products to ensure that they are kosher, and catfish is consistently avoided.
It is important to note that the categorization of catfish as non-kosher is not unique to Judaism. Other religious traditions, such as Islam, also consider catfish to be forbidden for consumption. This further emphasizes the widespread belief that catfish is not suitable for religious dietary practices.
Catfish is not considered kosher in Judaism due to its lack of both fins and scales. This is in accordance with the explicit instructions provided in the Torah. Jewish dietary laws play an integral role in the lives of observant Jews, and the prohibition on consuming catfish is followed by all segments of Judaism.