What is the difference in meaning of the words “kosher” and “tahor” . “Tahor” seems to be the word the Torah uses for “Kosher”.
That is a great question! Kosher or “Kasher” is used throughout the Mishnah and Talmud and is used to describe anything that has been done properly (albeit in a “b’dieved” or ex post facto way). For example, in the Tractate of Succah, one should ideally make the roof in a manner that the stars are visible. If, however, the roof is so thick that the stars are not visible it is still “Kasher.” Therefore, it is indeed a misnomer to label an animal kosher or not kosher. The only instance I am aware of that Kosher is used to describe an animal is regarding whether or not it was slaughtered properly. The term caught on, as in “is that animal Kosher?” i.e. was it slaughtered properly, and it became part of the vernacular to describe anything that is fit for “Kosher” consumption. A similar thing happened with the word “Treif”, which in the vernacular means NOT Kosher. The real meaning of “Treif” is “torn” and refers to an animal that is unfit for Kosher slaughter because of a specific anatomical condition (e.g. a punctured lung).
All the best,
R’ Daniel Fleksher