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The Hebrew word "kosher" means "fit." When something is said to be kosher it means that it is "fitting" of Divine standards. For example, if a chicken was ritually slaughtered, inspected, salted and rinsed, it is considered kosher and appropriate for consumption. If a mezuzah was written by a certified scribe using the traditional parchment, quill, and ink, and has no disqualifying blemishes to its letters, it may be affixed on one's doorway.
There are important commonalities as well as differences among kosher items. What is common to all is that they are direct channels for connecting with G-d. As an analogy, it's as if when performing these commandments you are in touch with G-d via your spiritual "cell phone" (and it's much more of a connection than just a conversation). On the other hand, a blemished Torah scroll is like a cell phone with no battery. It has all the look, but none of the charge, and you aren't making any "calls" with it.
In some cases, a Torah may be repaired and thus 'recharged' with kosher energy--something which cannot be done with non-kosher foods! So, depending on the item and situation in question, it can be possible to transform something from non-kosher to kosher and vice versa. The goal is to achieve and retain a kosher lifestyle in all the channels available to us, and maintain a 24/7 direct dial call with G-d.
[Mezuzahs and Tefillin are known to be channels for receiving G-d's blessings, so it is imperative to purchase kosher ones and have them checked, annually if possible, so as to maximize (and not block) these blessings.]
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Mitzvot » TefillinLife Cycle » Bar/Bat Mitzvah » TefillinMitzvot » Kosher » About
