SHOCHETIM

SHOCHET. A shochet is a ritual slaughterer who skillfully practices shechitah, slitting the throat of the animal as required by the Torah and Jewish dietary laws called kashrut (where the word kosher comes from)that show respect and compassion for the animals. He uses a chalef, a sharp and smooth knife can swiftly and cleanly cut through the trachea and esophagus in an uninterrupted sweeping motion. Before beginning his work, the shochet says the traditional blessing, “Blessed are you … Who has commanded us regarding shechitah [slaughter].”

A shochet must be educated in the laws of kosher slaughter and adept at sharpening and polishing his knives, known as shtellen ah chalef in Yiddish. He is trained under an experienced shochet to learn how to hold the animal firmly and to slaughter it quickly and smoothly. The shochet is also trained to be a bodek (checker) to examine the inner organs of the animal to ensure that it was healthy at the time of death. In the modern factory set up, these tasks are often divided. After a rabbi examines a shochet’s knife and is satisfied with his skill and knowledge, he issues him a certificate of kabbalah, attesting to his worthiness.

In the traditional Jewish community, the shochet is among the most respected members of the congregation. Since the difference between kosher slaughter and non-kosher slaughter are often impossible for the observer to detect, the community relies upon the faith and integrity of the shochet, trusting that their meat is indeed kosher.

A certified shochet may sign his name in Hebrew followed by the letters שו"ב, an acronym for shochet u-bodek (slaughterer and checker). This gave rise to the Jewish last-name, Shub. Other common family names that point to shochet in their ancestry include Shochet, Schechter (Schachter), and Resnick (Russian for "cutter"). (1)

Many shochets were employed by the DUBUQUE PACKING COMPANY, the only plant in the United States for many years to process cattle, calves, and lambs for kosher meat. Many shochetim lived in Chicago. They returned home on Thursday, by train so they could be home for Friday services at sundown. The Jewish sabbath is sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. They returned to Dubuque on Monday where they changed into special clothing and recited special prayers before beginning work.

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Source:

1. Posner, Menachem, "What is a Shocet?" Chabad.org https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/4302685/jewish/What-Is-a-Shochet.htm