Q&A: Do Raisins Need to Be Checked for Insects
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Do Raisins Need to Be Checked for Insects
Question
Hello Rabbi,
Do raisins need to be checked for insects?
Thank you
Answer
I don’t know.
See here: https://www.kosharot.co.il/index2.php?id=243095&lang=HEB
Discussion on Answer
I don’t like raisins. I’ve answered here on the site several times about tiny insects and the grounds for not checking.
So the Rabbi hasn’t eaten raisins until today?…
I’d be glad to know what you do when you visit someone who doesn’t check raisins, or in your own home.
By the way, I’d also be glad to know something else on this topic:
Do you accept the idea that expertise is needed in order to check for insects? For example, to check this kind of leaf or that kind, I understand the claim that it’s not worth checking because it takes a lot of time, so buy inspected produce. But lately there have been many claims that an ordinary person has lots of leaves that he may not eat unless they are supervised produce, as long as he hasn’t studied the subject or received “ordination.”
Because there are many kinds of insects that are sometimes the same color as the leaf, etc., or they are too small to notice on the leaves without familiarity, I think, etc. The claims are extensive. Do you think this is actually correct in practical Jewish law?