Q&A: Meat During the Nine Days
Meat During the Nine Days
Question
Hello Rabbi. I am a soldier stationed in Gaza in combat zones, and during the Nine Days there is an option to eat vegetarian meal trays and meat meal trays. I do not like vegetarian food, and it is likely that a meal like that will not satisfy me. Is it permissible to eat meat, since the basis of the prohibition during the Nine Days is only from the medieval authorities (Rishonim)? One could also add as a reason to be lenient that, unlike in the past, eating meat (especially poultry) is not a joyous occasion, but an everyday matter.
Answer
If it will impair your combat fitness, then it is permitted. Otherwise I would not be lenient. Of course, in the midst of combat, you should not devote any thought to this at all, and eat whatever is most suitable and convenient.