Q&A: Food Cooked by Non-Jews
Food Cooked by Non-Jews
Question
Hello Rabbi Michi,
Do you think there is a problem of food cooked by non-Jews when it comes to soldiers in the company? I was just thinking that if the main issue with food cooked by non-Jews is because of social closeness with them, then perhaps that reason does not apply among combat soldiers, because the closeness and cohesion there are very desirable, especially from an operational standpoint.
I was just thinking about the absurdity that we risk our lives to protect one another, but do not eat what they cook because of social closeness.
Thank you in advance
Answer
In principle you are right, but we do not derive Jewish law from the stated reason of a verse, and not even in rabbinic laws. However, if this would create social or other problems in the company, there is room to be lenient.
Discussion on Answer
I didn’t understand the question, nor what it is referring to.
The Rabbi’s answer is very interesting to me, since it is quite contrary to the rationale of the prohibition. What is the conservative interpretive approach behind it? Saving a life?