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The gid hanosheh (vein that was moved) is the sciatic nerve that may not be eaten by Jews according to Halacha (Jewish Law).

[edit] Source

The Torah recounts that Jacob fought with an angel (according to Rashi this was Esau's guardian angel) who could not beat him. At the end of the fight, the angel moves a nerve in Jacob's leg causing him to limp. The verse then states: "Therefore the children of Jacob do not eat the gid hanosheh until today."

[edit] Removal

The removal of the gid hanosheh and cheilev (other forbidden fats) is called nikkur. Since it is labor intensive to remove all the forbidden parts of the hind-quarters of an animal, the entire hind quarters are usually sold to the non-kosher market.

[edit] See also

• Sciatic nerve — non-religious terminology