Q&A: Why Do We Wait Between Meat and Dairy
Why Do We Wait Between Meat and Dairy
Question
Nowadays, why do we wait between meat and dairy? Seemingly, those reasons don’t exist today. If it’s because meat remains between the teeth, then you can brush and clean properly. And if it’s because the taste remains, then you can remove the taste through sufficient cleaning or by eating other foods, and so on.
Answer
It’s not because of the teeth. Either it’s a matter of keeping a separation, or it’s because of digestion.
Discussion on Answer
Are you sure you read what I wrote?
Efi, before you ask “why is it necessary,” ask “is it really necessary.” See the responsa Support Me with Delicacies (Arbel), part 1, siman 89, p. 129.
And as you say, that is indeed the view of the Halakhot Gedolot, Rabbenu Tam, Ravyah, Ra’ah, Hagahot Maimoniyot, Ba’al HaMaor, and Yere’im.
If it’s because of digestion, then one should also have to wait between dairy and meat, yet in fact there is no need for any waiting period between dairy and meat.
Because dairy is digested quickly.
Not convincing.
If so, then why do we wait and not eat one immediately after the other (just not together)? That, seemingly, is the law from the Torah.