Hitler's Diet: Did He Follow Kosher Laws?

The question of Adolf Hitler's adherence to Kosher dietary laws has long been a topic of interest, particularly given his famous vegetarianism and his history as a notorious antisemite. Did Hitler actually adhere to the strict Kosher rules, or was his diet more aligned with other dietary practices?

Hitler's Vegetarianism and His Criticism of Meat Eating

Hitler is on record as having criticized the meat-eating habits of his guests. For instance, during lunch or dinner with invited guests, he would chide them by saying the meat they were eating was “cadavers tea.” This demonstrates his views on the ethics and methods of meat consumption.

A Weak Stomach and Preference for Non-Red Meat

Hitler is known to have had a weak stomach, which led him to avoid red meat. It is important to note that while he may have consumed some types of meat, his dietary habits were not strictly kosher, nor did he identify as a vegetarian.

Historical Accounts and Evidence

In 1964, Dione Lucas, Hitler's former personal chef, published The Gourmet Cooking School Cookbook. In this publication, she listed several of Hitler's favorite foods, including turtle soup, stuffed pigeon, and sausages. These foods are significant because they provide specific insights into Hitler's dietary preferences and practices.

Later, in his 1993 book The Foreign Policy of Nazi Germany, acclaimed biographer Robert Payne argued that Hitler's vegetarianism was a myth perpetuated by his propaganda minister, Joseph Goebbels. This suggests that official propaganda often presented a version of Hitler's diet that aligned with Nazi ideals and agendas.

Turtle Soup, Pigeon, and Sausages: Kosher or Not?

The fact that Hitler enjoyed turtle soup, stuffed pigeon, and sausages raises the question of whether these foods conform to Kosher dietary laws. Turtles and pigeons are generally considered Kosher, but sausages can contain meat from a variety of animals, making them less certain from a Kosher perspective.

The Kosher rules, which are outlined in the Torah, are quite strict. Meat must be slaughtered according to specific methods to ensure it is pure and free of impurities. Given Hitler's known disdain for any form of meat-eating, it is highly unlikely that he would have adhered to these practices.

Conclusion

Given the available historical evidence, it is clear that Hitler's diet included certain types of meat, particularly non-red meats. However, it is unlikely that he followed the strict Kosher rules. The assertion of his vegetarianism and adherence to Kosher dietary practices appears to be more an artifact of propaganda than a genuine representation of his dietary habits.