meliḥa

The term "meliḥa" in Judaism refers to the process of salting meat to remove blood after ritual slaughter, a key component of kashruth, the Jewish dietary laws. These laws, primarily found in the Torah, dictate which foods are permissible and how they must be prepared to be considered kosher ("fit" or "proper").12

Observant Jews adhere to several rules:
* Only specific animals, birds, and fish are permitted.1
* Animals must be slaughtered ritually through a process called shehitah.21
* Meat must be salted to remove blood, and hindquarters require the removal of the ischiatic nerve.21
* Meat and dairy products must be kept strictly separate, using distinct utensils and dishes.21

While some believe these laws promote health, for observant Jews, their observance is a divine commandment.1