Influence of the Jewish religion and Jewish dietary laws (Kashruth) on family food habits in an ultra‐orthodox population in Montreal

Two hundred and fifty families, comprising 1,438 individuals, from the major ultra‐orthodox, fundamentalist Jewish (Hassidic) communities in Montreal, were randomly selected from community lists for a study of the influence of Judaism and its dietary laws on their food habits. Data were collected by means of self‐administered, mailed questionnaires developed for this survey. Highly significant differences relating to participant group (Outremont Hassidim versus Lubavitcher Hassidirn) were noted for the consumption of certain basic foodstuffs (fish, poultry, eggs, some vegetables, sources of fat, processed foods), as well as some cooking methods and miscellaneous food habits. These differences can be explained by the latter community's more heterogeneous composition, differing philosophies and wider experience of the secular world. The sabbath, fast‐days and numerous holidays contributed to particular dietary habits within the Hassidic population. Examination of usual food group consumption patterns revealed eating habits which closely approximate North American healthy eating guidelines, despite possible marginal intakes of vitamin D, zinc and iron among children and pregnant women. This study has reinforced existing anecdotal impressions as to the importance of religion and the religious dietary laws in the daily life of this community.

Key words:

• food habits
• diet
• Jewish religion
• culture
• ethnic origin
• demography
• family structure
• self‐administered questionnaires
• methodology
• Montreal