Landmark Handwritten Ruling by the
Chazon Ish
Regarding Non Cholov-Yisroel Cheese
Bnei Brak, 1945
handwritten halachic ruling by the Chazon Ish regarding gvinas nachri (cheese produced by gentiles), a controversial issue that arose in Eretz Yisrael shortly after the Holocaust.
It was the harsh period of British Mandate, and the new settlement in Bnei Brak was in its fledgling years. During this time, the British imported packages of food and staples, including cheese which was not cholov yisroel.
This brought about a halachic controversy regarding the permissibility of eating this cheese, called gvinas nachri in halachic sources.
In a letter printed ( in Kovetz Peamei Yaakov Issue 44 p. 18 and then reprinted in Issue 89 p. 84), the Chazon Ish recounts that a delegation of grocers knocked on his door and asked for his advice and guidance regarding the sale of the cheese.
The Chazon Ish rules that while halachically it would be preferable to be stringently and refrain from selling and eating the cheese,
“Since [it is known people] will not listen, it is better to permit it.”
The Chazon Ish’s writes :Rabbanim are obliged to deliver clear rulings and guidance to the public to “prevent confusion and uncertainty..” This statement was written in stark opposition to the Chief Rabbinate of Tel Aviv which had publicly declared that they do not rule wether it is permissible or forbidden.
Bnei Brak, 1945. Page size: 25×21. Completely handwritten by the Chazon Ish;
unsigned.
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