The shechita (ritual slaughter) knife from the collection of the District Museum in Tarnów has a rectangular, single-edged, smooth steel and nickel-plated blade, with a straight tip. The simple bolster meets with the knife's yellow-greenish horn handle, and is attached to a tang. In order to keep the blade in perfect condition, the knife was stored in a wooden case (inventory no. MT.IV.1274/2).
Kosher, i.e. meat of mammals and birds suitable for consumption, comes from ritual slaughter. One of the most important stages of slaughter is a thorough examination of the knife, which must be very sharp, perfectly smooth, without any chipping or damage. The blade should be twice as long as the width of the throat of the animal being slaughtered with it. After slaughter, the knife is examined again. If any damage occurs, such as a chipped blade, the meat is not fit for consumption (it is considered not kosher).
A well-balanced and maintained knife is the property of a shochet (Yiddish: shochet, Hebrew: shokhét), who rigorously applies the applicable slaughter rules. He must not interrupt the movement of the knife, the blood vessels must be cut, not severed. Correctly performed cutting results in a quick (within one minute) and possibly painless death of the animal. The rabbinate and an inspector (Hebrew: bodek) supervise compliance with the rules of ritual slaughter. Number of conditions must be met to become a shochet. A shochet must be at least 18 years old and have an impeccable reputation, must demonstrate religiosity, piety, knowledge of the Talmud, religious law and tradition. The prerequisite for performing ritual slaughter, in addition to the necessary knowledge and practice confirmed by examination and obtaining a diploma (Hebrew: kabala), is good health. The elderly cannot engage in it due to trembling hands, as cannot the deaf or mentally disabled. The shochet enjoys great authority and respect from the Jewish community. Without this role, the community cannot function properly.
The knife was purchased by the District Museum in Tarnów from a private individual in 1978. It undoubtedly belonged to a particular shochet and was made and balanced by him, but its original origin is unknown.
Barbara Bułdys
