The War with Iran
The Jewish nation finds itself in the midst of a precarious situation and we do not know what every passing day will bring. Let us recount a parable Maran zt”l would often use:
There were two couples who were neighbors. One of the husbands was a wealthy man, while the other was poor. The rich man’s wife was not an easy woman to live with; she would constantly lash out at him and caused him much anguish. Once, they got into a heated argument and the husband left the house and traveled to America. After he left, his wife realized the error of her ways and would constantly cry and wait for her husband to return home.
The wife of the poor man was a good, supportive woman, in spite of them living in deplorable conditions. The poor husband suggested that he travel to America in order to try and earn a living there and send some money back home. His wife agreed and he set out. Coincidentally, the rich man and his poor neighbor were both on the same flight. When they arrived in America, both men stayed in the same hotel. The two wives back at home waited for a long time for any word from their respective husbands.
About one month later, a businessman arrived from America and told the two women that he had letters for them from their husbands. The rich man’s wife came to the man’s lodgings and requested her letter to which the man replied that he was tired and had not yet unpacked his luggage. He asked if she could return the next day and he would give it to her. She replied in the affirmative and went on her way.
The wife of the poor man also came to his lodgings and asked for her letter when he replied with the same claim he had told her wealthy neighbor. Nevertheless, the poor woman remained there and begged the man, “Please, make an effort to find it for me now!” The man asked, “When I told your neighbor it was difficult for me today and to come back tomorrow, she understood and accepted it. Why is it that you are pestering me?”
The poor woman replied, “My neighbor’s husband parted from her in a fight. When she heard that her husband had sent her a letter, that was enough to calm her down even without reading its contents because she realized that her husband was still thinking about her. On the other hand, my husband and I love each other very much and he only traveled abroad to earn a living for his family. Therefore, the fact that he sent me a letter does not placate me. I need to read the letter to see if he was successful!”
Similarly, “Nothing prevents Hashem from being victorious with many or few,” and it is we who have not behaved properly and angered Him. This is why we are living in a time where Hashem conceals Himself from us for decades already, when the luminaries of the generation have already passed on, and only those who focus intently can perceive Hashem’s providence.
During the past week, however, we have all witnessed the Hand of Hashem in a wonderous way and He has performed open miracles for the Jewish people. For many years, we have known that a full-scale war with Iran would cause terrible destruction in Israel, especially when the rest of the world stands antagonistically against Israel. Nevertheless, Hashem saw to it to inspire the leaders of several nations to come to the aid of Israel.
When the enemies of the Jewish people attempt to annihilate Israel, Hashem foils their plans time after time and shows us how much He loves us, cares about us, and protects us. This is truly an uplifting thought which obligates us to express our reciprocal love to Hashem as well by studying His Torah and being loyal to the observance of Halacha.
Not only do we see that Hashem protects those who are close to Him, but Hashem shows mercy to the sinners within the Jewish nation as well. Indeed, the Gemara (Baba Metzia 33b) states regarding the sinners of the Jewish nation, “Perhaps you may think they have no chance? This is why the verse states, ‘And we shall witness your joy.’ Perhaps you may think that the Jewish nation shall be ashamed? This is why the verse states, ‘And they shall be ashamed.’ The idolators shall be ashamed and the Jewish nation shall rejoice.”
We must use this opportunity to increase our heartfelt prayers for our fellow Jews in Israel and anywhere else they may be. May Hashem protect us from all harm, protect the soldiers of the IDF, and may our enemies crumble before our feet. May we all hear good tidings soon, Amen.
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Legumes Roasted by a Non-Jew and the Acceptance of the Rulings of the Ari z”l
Question: In recent years, a well-known rabbi has publicized that it is forbidden to eat chick peas roasted by a non-Jew as this is included in the prohibition to consume food cooked by a non-Jew. Is this indeed the correct Halacha?
Answer: In previous Halachot we have explained that our Sages have prohibited eating food cooked by a non-Jew. We have likewise written that if the dish is a very simple one such that it is unworthy of being served on a king’s table, this food is not included in this prohibition.
Regarding chick peas, it seems that since they are fit to be served on a king’s table, they should be included in the prohibition of food cooked by a non-Jew and it should be forbidden to consume them if they were roasted by a non-Jew.
The Opinion of Maran Ha’Bet Yosef
Nevertheless, Maran Ha’Bet Yosef (Chapter 113 and in his Kesef Mishneh, Chapter 17 of Hilchot Ma’achalot Assurot, Halacha 17) writes that according to the Rambam, the prohibition of foods cooked by a non-Jew does not apply to roasted chick peas, for this is considered such a simple food that one would not invite a guest over to one’s home only to eat chick peas. (The basis for this enactment was because our Sages were concerned that a non-Jew would invite a Jew over to eat and this would cause them to mingle, as we have explained.)
The Opinion of the Ari z”l
On the other hand, Rabbeinu Ha’Ari z”l, whose rulings are followed by all of the great Mekubalim, writes that one may not eat chick peas roasted by a non-Jew, for they are ultimately fit to be served on a king’s table.
The Disagreement Among the Poskim Regarding Whether or Not We Rule in Accordance With the Ari z”l
This leads us into a great disagreement among the Poskim. Do we say that when the Ari z”l rules on a given matter are we bound by his ruling or do we say that when Maran disagrees with the Ari z”l we follow the ruling of Maran and not that of the Ari?
Regarding our scenario, Maran Rabbeinu Ovadia Yosef zt”l writes (in his Halichot Olam Volume 7, page 102) that even according to the opinions that we must rule in accordance with the Ari’s rulings even when it contradicts other Poskim, this only applies to matters which the Ari ruled based on his knowledge of the hidden Torah, in which he was more fluent than others. However, regarding matters which unrelated to the hidden Torah and the Ari ruled a certain way based of his great wisdom of the revealed Torah, the opinion of the Ari z”l certainly has no precedence over the opinion of Maran Ha’Shulchan Aruch.
Therefore, regarding our case where the Ari’s ruling is not based on his knowledge of Kabbalah, rather, he ruled this way because this is what the Halacha seemed to have been to him, we certainly need not forsake the opinion of the Rambam and Maran in favor of the Ari’s ruling. Thus, halachically speaking, the prohibition of foods cooked by a non-Jew does not apply to chick peas roasted by a non-Jew.
This is certainly true based on our tradition in Halacha that we do not forsake the opinion of Maran Ha’Shulchan Aruch even when the saintly Ari z”l disagrees with him; we must therefore rule that roasted legumes, such as chick peas, are not included in this prohibition.
Summary: The prohibition of foods cooked by a non-Jew does not apply to roasted chick peas. They may therefore be eaten when there is no other Kashrut concern surrounding them. The same applies to any other kind of roasted legumes, such as fava beans and the like. Nevertheless, cooked legumes are included in the prohibition of foods cooked by a non-Jew. However, regarding chick peas and other beans cooked by a non-Jew which are canned and meant for commercial sale, there is room for leniency and they are permitted to be eaten (see Responsa Yabia Omer, Volume 10, Yoreh De’ah, Chapter 8).
