Food - A Halachic Analysis

In this remarkable volume, in his trademark engaging manner, respected author Rabbi Yehuda Spitz explores halachic issues pertaining to what we eat and explains essential concepts such as Chodosh, Maris Ayin, Bishul Akum, and Chalav Yisrael. Noted for their comprehensive yet easy-to-read portrayal, the diverse and fascinating halachic topics addressed include dishwashers, cholent, Coca-Cola, quinoa, genetically engineered meat, buffalo burgers, meat scandals — and much more. Readers are granted a unique opportunity to develop an appreciation of the halachic process as it unfolds, from ancient tomes to modern times.

"Approbations:"

I have witnessed firsthand the great expertise and proficiency in halacha of the author of this valuable work, marbitz Torah and moreh horaah Rabbi Yehuda Spitz. This important sefer is illuminating, clear, direct, and all-encompassing.

–Rav Asher Weiss

Rabbi Spitz possesses the unique ability to clarify both the emes b’halacha and the emes b’birur ha’metzius (reality).

–Rav Yisroel Reisman

Notable features of this outstanding work: accuracy, completeness, clarity and organization, as well as copious references… Whether a beginner or seasoned talmid chacham, you will gain a richer understanding. 

–Rav Yitzchak Breitowitz 

The vast array of topics covered and the thoroughness of each individual presentation is truly impressive… A true aid to gain a solid understanding of the halachic process. 

–Rav Zev Leff 

Rabbi Yehuda Spitz serves as the Rosh Chabura and Shoel U’Meishiv of the Ohr Lagolah Halacha Kollel at Yeshivas Ohr Somayach in Yerushalayim and is the author of the popular “Insights into Halacha” column.

Originally from Miami Beach, Florida, Rabbi Yehuda Spitz is a product of Yeshiva Gedolah Ateres Mordechai of Greater Detroit as well as Yeshivas Mir in Yerushalayim. He studied horaah under the guidance of Rav Yosef Yitzchok Lerner at Beis Midrash L’Horaah Toras Shlomo, as well as Rav Yonason Wiener of the She’aris Yisrael Beis Din, and received semichah from leading authorities Rav Moshe Halberstam, zt”l, Rav Moshe Sternbuch, and Rav Zalman Nechemia Goldberg, as well as a hetter horaah from Rav Yaakov Blau, zt”l, of the Badatz Eidah Hachareidis. He has published an award-winning kuntress on the topic of Shnei Keilim Shenagu, and his recent halacha sefer, M’Shulchan Yehuda, is currently entering its third printing.

Rabbi Spitz has served as Rosh Chaburah and Shoel U'Meishiv of the Ohr Lagolah Halacha Kollel at Yeshivas Ohr Somayach in Yerushalayim since 2007. A prolific writer on halachic topics, he authors a popular longstanding contemporary halacha column titled “Insights into Halacha” for Ohr Somayach’s website: http://ohr.edu/this_week/insights_into_halacha/.

Noted for their comprehensive portrayal, Rabbi Spitz’s diverse and fascinating in-depth halacha articles have been featured in many major international Jewish publications, including Yated Ne’eman, Hamodia, Mishpacha/Kolmus, Ami Magazine, Kashrus Magazine, and OHRNET, as well as popular Jewish websites such as matzav.com, VINNews, Kashrut.com, DINonline, Jerusalem Kosher News, and many others. The diverse global readership (articles are reprinted across the globe, featured in popular parasha compilations, and have been translated into several languages — in South Africa, Australia, London, New York, Denver, Toronto, Dallas, Baltimore, Mexico, Brazil, Israel, and even Poland) is apparent in the tremendous volume of correspondence Rabbi Spitz receives.

Rabbi Spitz has also published halachic maamarim in several prestigious journals, including Moriah, Ohr Yisroel, Kovetz Eitz Chaim, Techumin, Kovetz Mah Tovu Ohalecha Yaakov, Peninei HaGivah, the (RJJ) Journal of Halacha and Contemporary Society, and the Rambam Maimonides Medical Journal, for which he has reviewed as well. Rabbi Spitz lives with his wife, Miriam, a renowned educator and lecturer in her own right, and family in Givat Zev, Israel.

He can be reached at yspitz@ohr.edu.