Q&A: Column 275 – Absorption and Release in Utensils
Column 275 – Absorption and Release in Utensils
Question
Hello Rabbi,
Following Column 275, I thought again about Rabbi Lior’s response to Rabbi Fixler’s experiment:
Click to access FixlerFrankBliea.pdf
There Rabbi Lior writes: “At the time I said that if it becomes established with certainty that there is some material that does not absorb, its law would be like that of glass vessels, which according to the opinion of the Shulchan Arukh do not absorb and therefore do not require purging for Passover, and washing is sufficient (…) Since this ruling could be interpreted as something new, my request is that two additional halakhic decisors agree with me and join this leniency.”
Seemingly, it appears that there is a Jewish law regarding absorption and release, and there is a reality in which there is no absorption and release, so apparently there is no need for anyone’s ruling at all—only applying the accepted Jewish law under the current conditions.
What do you think about the argument, “Since this ruling could be interpreted as something new”?
Abraham
Answer
What do you mean, what do I think? Rabbi Lior wants those who rely on him not to do so unless two others join him. Anyone who wants to decide on his own judgment is welcome to do so. He does not need permission from anyone. Obviously there is no need for anyone’s ruling, and not only on questions of factual reality. Even on halakhic questions, anyone can rule for himself (as long as he is competent and understands the matter).