Ostrich is not kosher because it is classified as a bird of prey. Birds of prey are not kosher because they are considered to be unclean. Leviticus 11:13-19 says “These are the birds you are to regard as unclean and not eat because they are unclean: the eagle the vulture the buzzard the kite the falcon the raven the ostrich the nighthawk the seagull the hawk the little owl the great owl the white owl the desert owl the osprey the cormorant the stork the heron the hoopoe and the bat. Every winged creature that walks on all fours is to be detestable to you. Yet among the winged creatures that walk on all fours you may eat those that have a divided hoof completely divided and that also have a cloven hoof.”
The reason birds of prey are considered to be unclean is because they eat other animals including carrion. Carrion is the dead flesh of animals that have died of natural causes or that have been killed by other animals. Leviticus 11:39-40 says “If any animal that you are allowed to eat dies anyone who touches its carcass will be unclean till evening. Anyone who eats any part of its carcass must wash their clothes and they will be unclean till evening. Whoever picks up its carcass must wash their clothes and they will be unclean till evening.”
So to answer the question “Why is ostrich not kosher?” the simple answer is because it is classified as a bird of prey and therefore is considered to be unclean.
Why is ostrich not kosher?
Answer:
Because it does not fit into any of the categories of kosher animals.
