Here’s a little game. The object is to find the common denominator between the following three evolutions in Jewish society. (Answer appears below.) Readers who may be disturbed or offended by my analysis are urged not to blame the messenger. If anyone can prove me wrong I would be deeply grateful since I wish that none of this were true. However if there is truth in my words I hope they will lead to honest and thorough introspection on the part of all those who claim allegiance to the Torah.

Situation #1 1) Freshly slaughtered animals are inspected for lesions on the lungs that would render the animal a tereifa. Some lesions do not affect the kashrus of the meat but only a trained inspector (or an average housewife) can be relied upon to tell the difference.

2) The decision is made that meat with any lesions on the lungs will not be sold as kosher meat. Only meat from animals with smooth lungs ( glatt ) will be sold as kosher meat. This makes life easier for wholesalers but drives up the price of meat for the consumer.

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3) Glatt meat is marketed as a higher standard of kashrus. The price increase is thus more palatable for the kosher consumer even though in reality he is getting nothing more for his money.

4) Anyone who is not makpid to eat only glatt meat is a shaygitz.

5) Kashrus certification appears on such products as laundry soap and wax candles (stomach pump not included). Consumer is told the certification is a sign of quality higher standards etc. Taste of laundry soap and candles goes down prices go up. But the truly observant Jew can’t take any chances and willingly pays the higher prices just to be free of any chashash.

6) Glatt kosher potato chips are invented. Potato chips are not entirely smooth but they are definitely not treif. Well worth the extra 49 cents and lack of flavor.

7) Anyone who is not makpid on the aforementioned products is a shaygitz.

8) Chassidishe shechita becomes the new universal standard. There are not 10 Jews in the world who know what chassidishe shechita is and why it should be the new universal standardbut we can assume that somewhere along the way a chashash is being avoided. Thanks to savvy marketing the importance of the chashash remains a mystery to all but those versed in nistar. Anyone who is not makpid on chassidishe shechita will have his identity duly noted. 

9) Super glatt is invented.

Situation #2 1) One man supposedly finds bugs in his tap water.

2) Panic ensues.

3) Teshuvos are written. People begin to drink laundry soap pending a final ruling.

4) Price of water filters goes up.

5) Water is okay.

6) Sign appears in local shul: Are you concerned about your water? – followed by advertisement for water filter. No one questions why the sign does not read  Should you be concerned about your water? 

Situation #3 1) Although it would appear that many observant married women do not cover their hair they are actually wearing shaitels.

2) It is discovered that some shaitels use hair from India and further noted that there are strange religious practices in India.

3) Panic ensues.

4) Teshuvos are written. Shaitels are publicly burned or hidden at home pending a final ruling.


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Rabbi Chananya Weissman is the founder of EndTheMadness and the author of seven books, including "Tovim Ha-Shenayim: A Study of the Role and Nature of Man and Woman." Many of his writings are available at www.chananyaweissman.com. He is also the director and producer of a documentary on the shidduch world, "Single Jewish Male." He can be contacted at [email protected].