Q&A: Leavened Food in Hospitals
Leavened Food in Hospitals
Question
Hello Rabbi,
What is the Rabbi's opinion on leavened food in hospitals: is it appropriate to prohibit it by law?
Thank you
Answer
I don't see anything wrong with it, but I also don't see a need for it. As long as they make sure that patients who want to avoid leavened food don't eat it, there is no reason to forbid others from eating it. It seems to me that they also don't check whether someone is bringing pork into the hospital.
Indeed, I don't see this as improper, because concern for the Jewish character of the hospital and public institutions is legitimate. I think checking people's bags is out of proportion (because it doesn't harm people, it only preserves the character). It is enough simply to set a rule that it is forbidden.
Discussion on Answer
I am in favor of separation, but I think that someone who holds otherwise is still within the bounds of legitimacy even if I disagree with him. There are religious symbols that have become national markers. Therefore it is legitimate to want them preserved in the public domain and in public places. As stated, I myself do not think so.
Does the Rabbi still hold this position?
Why is concern for the character of public places legitimate in your view? Even if it infringes on individual freedom… (after all, isn't that part of the separation of religion and state, where the Rabbi supports that approach? Or does the Rabbi see this as a national value rather than a religious one?
Thank you!)