Q&A: Kashrut
Kashrut
Question
Hello Rabbi!
Is it permitted to buy, in a grocery store and the like that are open on the Sabbath / do not have kashrut supervision, snacks and all kinds of foods that do have certification on the packaging? Is there a need to be concerned about strengthening the hands of these Jews, or not? I’m asking whether there isn’t a concern of strengthening their hands in light of your article about secular Jews and Jewish law, that they do not recognize their obligation to observe it.
Thank you in advance!
Answer
There is no halakhic problem. As for halakhic policy, I think there is no need to boycott them, and it also would not help. However, if there are two grocery stores at the same distance and one observes the Sabbath, then there is value in buying from the one that observes it. There is no need to boycott the other one, and this is not considered strengthening the hands of transgressors, but there is value in supporting those who observe the commandments so that their hand not falter.