Why Gefilte Fish and Schmaltz Herring on Shabbat?
There are copious Talmudic references to fish on the Shabbat menu, yet, despite its apparent deep history something seems fishy as it virtually disappears from Torah literature for over 1000 years – only to reappear with regularity in Halachik codes and Responsa of the late modern period! A fascinating thesis is introduced to solve this seeming mystery, prominently placing kosher seafood on the Shabbat table. Rhyme and reason for the development of European “Gefilte” and its cousin “Schmaltz” are richly introduced and garnished with tantalizing insight and clarity!
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| Topics: | Halacha, Gefilte Fish, Fish, Minhag, Shabbat Foods |
Rabbi Mendel Kaplan is the Spiritual Leader and Executive Director of Chabad Flamingo in Thornhill, Ontario, serving one of Canada’s most dynamic Jewish communities. He also serves as Chaplain of the York Regional Police Service. He is an active member of Toronto’s Vaad HaRabbanim (Council of Orthodox Rabbis), and a voting member of the COR Kashruth Council of Canada’s executive rabbinical board. Rabbi Kaplan is featured regularly on many local television and radio shows. He is a sought after speaker, with hundreds of lectures on Chabad.org. He and his wife, Faygie, are blessed with eight children. Artistically endowed, the rabbi enjoys drawing, sketching and creating charcoal portraits.
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