A Lesson A Day 16 Kislev, 5774 / November 19, 2013 Dedicated as a z’chus for a Refuah Shleima for Mindel bas Pesha SEFER CHOFETZ CHAIM Day 76 – Kashrus A most sensitive area of constructive speech is that of kashrus. Raising doubts regarding the reliability of a hechsher (rabbinical endorsement) without reliable information constitutes speaking loshon hora. If one has reason to suspect that a hechsher is inferior, the matter should be discussed with a competent rav, who can offer guidance as to how one should proceed. Even if one rav suggests that a hechsher not be relied upon, this does not necessarily mean that the hechsher is definitely unreliable. It is the rav of the community who should decide the status of a hechsher for his constituents, or else direct them to a recognized posek (halachic authority) for his decision. In a case of a questionable product manufactured by a local Orthodox Jew who assumes responsibility for his product and does not operate under a hechsher, extreme caution must be exercised before declaring the product non-kosher. Only the local rav or posek is in a position to decide the halachic status of the item, after taking all factors into consideration. Causing a Jew to close down his business is a very serious matter and preventing such a situation may even outweigh the observance of chumros (unrequired halachic stringencies) generally kept by the community. SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON Playing with Fire The Talmud states: R’ Chisda said: One who argues against his Torah teacher [and incites others to join him] is considered as if he argued against the Divine Presence, as it is written [regarding Korach’s rebellion against Moshe], “... when he [Korach] contended against Hashem” (Bamidbar 26:9). R’ Chama bar Chanina said: One who initiates a dispute with his Torah teacher is considered as if he had initiated a dispute with the Divine Presence, as it is written, “They are the waters of strife, where the Children of Israel contended with Hashem” (ibid. 20:13) ... R’ Chanina bar Pappa said: One who voices complaints against his teacher is considered as if he voiced complaints against the Divine Presence ... R’ Avahu said: Whoever is skeptical of his teacher is considered as if he were skeptical of the Divine Presence. The above infractions are listed in descending order of severity. We see, however, that even to view the conduct or teachings of one’s Torah teacher with skepticism is in itself a severe sin. How foolish are those who are quick to initiate disputes against the rabbi or av beis din (head of the rabbinical court) of their city, and ignore the severe punishment which they are likely to incur, both in this world and the next! The verse, “You shall honor the presence of a sage” (Vayikra 19:32) requires us to show respect for Torah scholars. Commenting on this verse, the Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 15:13) speaks harshly of one who fails to accord his rabbi proper respect. Surely, to initiate a dispute between the local community and its rabbi is a sin of far greater severity and demands far greater retribution. · A daily lesson from the Chofetz Chaim: A Lesson A Day/Mesorah Publications. · To subscribe or unsubscribe: e-mail us at [email protected] with subject subscribe/unsubscribe.
Posted on: Tue, 19 Nov 2013 06:12:46 +0000
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