Historic Letter Regarding Shechita Decree in Germany Handwritten by Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzinski; Vilna, 1933
Letter handwritten entirely by Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzinski expressing his ruling regarding a shechita (slaughtering) decree put in effect in Germany.
In 1933, several European countries placed restricting laws on slaughtering, stating that chickens may only be slaughtered in a way rendered prohibited by the Rema in Shulchan Aruch.
However, since there was a fear that upholding the Rema’s ruling would result in many Jews eating non-kosher chicken, the matter was reviewed.
In this letter, Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzinski states that he leans towards leniency with several conditions. Some of these conditions included using an experienced shochet, that it be slaughtered by two people, that the slaughtering be done in central locations and not in far out towns, that there be supervision, and that an expiration date for this leniency be set in advance. He also writes that those who are healthy and able should be stringent and will be blessed as a result.
Rabbi Chaim Ozer then writes:
"and I cannot deny that we must be wary that it may lead to stumbling blocks, but to prevent [people] from eating neveilos, we must do what is in our power to prevent severe prohibitions."
Personal stationary | [1] leaf | 26 x 21 cm | Minor fold marks |
