Q&A: A Scientific Error in the Sages
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A Scientific Error in the Sages
Question
Hello Rabbi,
If there is a halakhic ruling that is based on an incorrect scientific assumption, are we required to accept the ruling because of the authority of the Sages, or not?
Answer
No. But of course you need to verify two things: 1. that this ruling is indeed based on that factual assumption. 2. that the factual assumption is actually wrong.
Discussion on Answer
I understand the aversion. I have it too. But aversion is not a reason to forbid something. And the custom here is not valid, because it is based on a mistaken assumption (it isn’t a custom but a concern. See Column 2).
In that connection, in your opinion is it permitted to eat meat and fish together?
I’m quoting Peninei Halakha, which writes that apparently it is permitted, but forbids it for another reason: “However, since for generations Jews have practiced not eating meat and fish together, to the point that the separation between them is one of the distinguishing marks of Jewish cuisine and its etiquette, the accepted practice is to be careful not to cook meat with fish, and not to serve meat and fish on the same plate.”