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In
our last number we gave a statement of Judge Noah concerning the
reported adulteration of vegetable oils with animal matter, and
suggested the propriety of appointing inspectors to prevent such fraud.
In connexion with this subject we have received a remonstrance from our
learned correspondent Mr. Falkenau of New York, who contends that, since
oils of gentiles have been allowed by the decision of the Beth Din of
Rabbi [Judah the Prince], we have no authority in this country, not
having any legal ecclesiastical courts, to prohibit that which has been
allowed by the highest authority known under the Mosaic dispensation, to
wit, the heads of the Jews assembled in a general council. He refers us
to Yoreh Deah 103 §13, where it distinctly states that meat and fat spoil
the oil, and it is a well known principle that “whatever spoils the
taste of a substance does not make this prohibited if accidentally mixed
therewith.” He also points out the decision of Maimonides Hilchoth
Maahaloth Assuroth, 17 §22, which reprobates any one who prohibits
in this regard what the Beth Din have allowed.
We
confess however, that with all this weight of authority, we cannot see
that we can do otherwise than abstain from the use of the common olive
oil of commerce, whilst there is so much certainty that the admixture of
the lard oil is introduced which, so far from spoiling the taste,
is said by competent Judges to be equal to the pure extract of the
olive. We think, that the authorities referred to speak of materials
which actually deteriorate the oil פוגם
את השמן whereas in the present case
the reverse is the fact. With these few remarks we leave the subject for
the present; but we mean to call the attention of the new Rabbi of
London to the matter, as soon as we hear of his having been inducted in
office.
In
the mean time we thank Mr. Falkenau for his kindness in correcting our
inadvertence and want of sufficient information in the depths of
Talmudic learning, with which his mind is so deeply imbued. |
