עברית
Halachot and Customs
Is a Sephardi obligated to eat only glatt meat?
Question
Rabbi Shalom, recently someone told me that a Sephardi who eats non-glatt meat is considered as eating treif. Is this true? Sincerely, Mor. I would also appreciate receiving a copy to my email.
Answer
Peace and blessings,
In the responsa Yechaveh Da’at, part 3, section 56, the question is raised: Is there a halachic obligation for everyone who eats meat from a kosher animal to consume only meat that carries the glatt ("smooth") or "chalak" (perfectly checked) certification, or is this merely a Hasidic custom? Is it permitted to eat meat certified only as Kosher? After extensive elaboration, the rabbi concludes by stating: How can we disregard the ruling of our revered teacher from Shatt Nephesh who holds that eating forbidden meat is tantamount to eating treif? It is well-known that the Chida wrote that a Sephardi who is lenient in accordance with the Rema’s opinion is mistaken; rather, the final ruling requires a teshuvah (repentance) and kapparah (atonement). (He further expressed his deep regret sincerely, as was said by Ish HaElokim in "Ratet".)
Furthermore, the Gaon of the Rishon LeTzion Yissar BaRacha, in the responsa Simcha LaIsh (Part Orach Chaim, section 3) addressed this issue, challenging certain individuals among the Sephardim and Eastern communities in the holy city of Jerusalem who consume meat slaughtered according to Ashkenazi standards, which breaches the directives of the revered rabbi whose rulings we have accepted. He firmly stated that anyone who fears Hashem must be extremely careful not to eat meat unless it bears a glatt or chalak certification, lest they inadvertently transgress the prohibition of treif according to the Shulchan Aruch, whose rulings we accept. It is a great mitzvah and sacred obligation incumbent upon contemporary Torah scholars and rabbis, may Hashem preserve them, to awaken the people and warn them against eating meat that lacks the glatt or chalak seal. It is known that many of our Ashkenazi brethren who revere Hashem and honor His Name are also very stringent in this matter. Likewise, this is recorded in Kaf HaChaim, Yoreh De’ah (section 39, paragraphs 271 and 272). May it be pleasant for those who listen, and may blessings come upon them.
With blessings, Benjamin Shmueli
