Kaya Jeffries

Jewish and Muslim Eating Habits in the U.S.

I.

What are the Dietary Restrictions of Jews and Muslims?

A. The Torah
a. Leviticus (Vayikra) Chapter II-very specific dietary laws are laid out by God
i. Explain the laws
B. The Quran
a. No pork or alcohol

II.

American Perception
A. "How Americans Feel About Religious Groups." Pew Research Center. 16 July 2014. Web. 30
Oct. 2014.
1. A study showing that most Americans feel more positively about Jews and more
negatively about Muslims
2. My thoughts:
a. Very similar religions
b. However it is understandable
B. Rothenberg Gritz, Jennie. "The Jews in America." Atlantic 21 Sept. 2007. Print.
1. An article about Americas past exclusion of Jews
a. My thoughts:
i. America wasnt always so fond of Jews but we learned how to be accepting
and now are feelings are more positive
ii. Hopefully this change could be applied to the Muslims living here
C. "Islamophobia: Understanding Anti-Muslim Sentiment in the West." Gallup. Web. 30 Oct.
2014.
1. Explains that Islamohobia has been around since befor 9/11
a. Definition of Islamophobia
i.

Ali, Wajahat, Eli Clifton, Matthew Duss, Lee Fang, Scott Keyes, and Faiz
Shakir. "Fear, Inc. The Roots of the Islamophobia in America." Center for
American Progress. 1 July 2011. Web. 30 Oct. 2014.

Kaya Jeffries

We dont use this term lightly. We define it as an exaggerated fear,

hatred, and hostility toward Islam and Muslims that is perpetuated
by negative stereotypes resulting in bias, discrimination, and the
marginalization and exclusion of Muslims from Americas social,
political, and civic life.
b. 48% Muslims experience radical or religious discrimination
c. My thoughts: obvious disconnect with Muslims
III.

How do Jews Have Their Foot in the Door of the American Food Industry?
A. Goren, Anna. "Kosher Meets Hipter." Atlantic 24 Sept. 2014. Print.
1. Millennial Jews are keeping kosher and its becoming trendy
B. Faw, Larissa. "Is Kosher the Next Big Food Trend?" Forbes Magazine 2 Dec. 2013. Print.
1. So many people dont fully trust the government and the food industry to handle their
food. Kosher is an extra stamp that certify that it is what it says it is.
C. Keys, Lisa. "High on the Hog." Tablet Magazine 5 Feb. 2010. Print.
1. Jews eating bacon has become trendy
D. Yoskowitz, Jeffery. "A Promised Land of Pork and Shellfish." Atlantic 21 Apr. 2010. Print.
1. Blatantly non-kosher restaurant in NY called Traif

IV.

Why Dont Muslims Have Much Representation of their Dietary Culture?

A. Keeter, Scott, and Greg Smith. "Why Surveys of Muslim Americans Differ." Pew Research
Center. 6 Mar. 2009. Web.
1. Muslims make up a small percentage of America
2. Use of different research methods
B. "Muslim Americans." Pew Research Center. 22 May 2007. Web. 30 Oct. 2014.
1. Pew finds 0.6% of adult Muslims in America 2007, while Gallup finds 0.3% 1999-2001
2. Example of Point A

V.

Kosher and Halal Accessibility

A. My Thoughts: Based on the sources Ive read I havent found any specifics on the amount of
kosher and halal options in U.S. supermarkets and restaurants but its easy to make the
assumption that theres not much availability of kosher options but there are more kosher
options rather than halal

Jewish and Muslim Eating Habits in the U.S.

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Kaya Jeffries
B. What are people doing about this?
1. Blustein, Adam. "Bringing a Muslim Culinary Tradition Mainstream." Inc. Print.
a. Change the tone of the word halal-Wholesome and pure. Sustainable, fair trade, and
just practices in terms of the environment and animal welfare.
b. My thoughts: changing the more strict sounding word to approachable term could
make it easier to make halal trendy in America-bringing more options for American
Muslims
2. Rapfogel, William. Hunger After Superstorm Sandy: Why We Need the Kosher and Halal
Food Act. Gotham Gazette. 13 Jan. 2013. Print.
a. Jews and Muslims went hungry because of lack of kosher and halal options in the
food banks
b. New bill was proposed- we must take steps to help the neediest observant families
and children get access to nutritious food during these difficult times

Jewish and Muslim Eating Habits in the U.S.

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