Ask The Rabbi

Ask the Rabbi #125

Become a Supporter Library Library

Ask the Rabbi

Dedicated by Herschel and Rachel Ainspan of White Plains, NY in honor of the birth of their b'chor Shmuel Yeruchom

9 November 1996; Issue #125


Contents:
  • Bacteria in the Cafeteria
  • A Rose By Any Other Name
  • Answer to Yiddle Riddle
  • Subscription Information
  • Back issues are indexed both by issue no. and by subject
  • Ohr Somayach Home Page

    This publication is also available in the following formats: [Text] [Word] [PDF] Explanation of these symbols


  • Bacteria in the Cafeteria

    Susan wrote:

    Why is yogurt with live acidopilus and bifidus cultures kosher to eat if we are not allowed to eat bugs?


    David Preiss wrote:

    Why does the Torah speak of forms of life that are visible only to the human eye?


    Dear Susan & David,

    Good question. Now let me ask you one: Why are we allowed to breathe? Zillions of microorganisms are floating around in the air, and we swallow some with every breath.

    The answer is: The Torah prohibits only bugs which can be seen by the naked eye. Organisms seen only with the aid of a microscope are kosher.

    The logic is this: The Torah was given to human beings, not angels. Its laws are geared to normal human experience. Bugs we see in 'real life' are forbidden. 'Invisible' ones - which seem like they exist only in a laboratory - are not forbidden.

    When improved microscopes brought improved awareness of microscopic organisms, some people suggested that perhaps we should filter our water to avoid consuming the organisms. A renowned rabbi responded: "If you give a nickel to charity while holding it under a magnifying glass, do you get credit as though you gave a dime?"

    Speaking of germs: Three amoebae are sitting on a park bench. Suddenly, one of them jumps up and runs off.

    "Hey! Where did Harry go?" one asks the other.

    "Guess he had to split." (Thanks to E.C.S.)

    Sources:
    • Aruch Hashulchan, Yoreh De'ah 84:36

    A Rose By Any Other Name

    Josh Kaplan wrote:

    Are all men with the last name KAPLAN kohens?


    Dear Josh Kaplan:

    Often, people named Kaplan are kohanim. This name is said to mean "Kohen Ploni" - "So-and-so the Kohen." Katz, another name common for kohanim, means "Kohen Tzedek" - "Righteous Kohen."

    But having a name like Kaplan or Katz isn't proof of being a kohen. Two of my best friends are named Kaplan, and neither one is a kohen. In fact, I know someone named Cohen who is not a kohen!

    A kohen is a male descendant of Aharon, Moses's brother. If you have a family tradition that you are a kohen, and that family members were called to the Torah as kohanim, then you need check no further.

    If there is no family tradition, other evidence is required. For instance, an ancestor's gravestone inscription. Someone who can't determine his father's personal status is automatically considered a Yisrael.

    Try looking up long lost relatives, and ask them. If you are like many people, you may very well have relatives here in Israel, Russia or elsewhere whom you don't even know.


    Answer to Yiddle Riddle

    Question: If a tree falls in a forest, and there's nobody around to hear it, does it make a noise?

    Answer: Yes, it makes a noise. The verse says, "There is no speaker, and no words, without their voice being heard." (Psalms 19:4) Even if no creature hears the noise, Hashem hears it.


    © 1995 Ohr Somayach International - All rights reserved. This publication may be distributed to another person intact without prior permission. We also encourage you to include this material in other publications, such as synagogue newsletters. However, we ask that you contact us beforehand for permission, and then send us a sample issue.

    This publication is available via E-Mail
    Ohr Somayach Institutions is an international network of Yeshivot and outreach centers, with branches in North America, Europe, South Africa and South America. The Central Campus in Jerusalem provides a full range of educational services for over 685 full-time students.

    The Jewish Learning Exchange (JLE) of Ohr Somayach offers summer and winter programs in Israel that attract hundreds of university students from around the world for 3 to 8 weeks of study and touring.

    Ohr Somayach's Web site is hosted by TeamGenesis


    Copyright © 1995 Ohr Somayach International. Send us Feedback.
    Dedication opportunities are available for Ask The Rabbi. Please contact us for details.
    Ohr Somayach International is a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation (letter on file) EIN 13-3503155 and your donation is tax deductable.