For some adherents, the risk of eating food that is religiously forbidden or unclean presents considerable consumer challenges, particularly since even members of the same faith may interpret religious strictures differently. Illinois legislators, seeking to offer regulatory help without making the state an arbiter of religious interpretation, passed a Kosher Food Act that mandates that vendors advertising "kosher" food comply with the requirements of a registered certifying organization. Many vendors of kosher food indicate by symbol (the letters "cRc" inside a triangle) that they have been certified by the Chicago Rabbinical Council.

Photographer: Douglas Knox
Source: Douglas Knox