עברית
Halachot and Customs
Eating at an Establishment Open on Shabbat
Question
Hello esteemed Rabbi, if I ate pizza at a place that was open on Shabbat (I ate after Shabbat ended) and they do not have a kashrut certificate, but the place itself does not mix meat and milk, is this considered a serious transgression? Thank you in advance.
Answer
Dear Sir, Certainly, there is a prohibition involved, since it is forbidden to eat at an establishment without a kashrut certificate even if it was closed on Shabbat, and all the more so it is forbidden to eat at a place that is open on Shabbat (see Shu"t Chelek Yaakov, Yoreh De'ah, section 26). However, through sincere teshuvah (repentance), one can atone for this transgression, which entails:
1. Regret for the sin.
2. Confession verbally (as detailed below).
3. Acceptance for the future not to return to this sin ever again (Rambam, Hilchot Teshuvah, chapter 2, halacha 2). Confession verbally means that one must say, "Please Hashem, I have sinned, transgressed, and erred before You, and I did such and such. I am now remorseful and ashamed of my actions, and I will never return to this matter" (Rambam, ibid., chapter 1, halacha 1).
Wishing you much success, Hillel Meirs
