Comments on: Small Victory in the Matzah Wars

By: JD

JD — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 17:32:30 +0000

I too have never liked the use of non-religious workers at the matza factories, but it is permitted under law. The employ religious workers exclusively will increase the price quite a bit. The only way to make it work would be with subsidies, always a risky approach, or all hand matza should be made by chaburos for themselves and their shuls for zero labor cost. Of course, not every lives near a bakery and who has the time to do this? Practically speaking, I think we are stuck with the current system unless we are willing to pay $25/lb.

By: Barbara

Barbara — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 16:39:08 +0000

To the last line - Ah-mane. With a Yiddish accent.

By: joel rich

joel rich — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 14:07:17 +0000

Still, the best halachic enhancement is the cheapest. When Rav Yisroel Salanter was asked what stringencies should be observed in baking matzah, he said, “One. Don’t yell at the women rolling out the matzos.”
===================================

And, as is often the case, works on many levels. Not only Did R’ YS enhance the dignity of the women’s labor but he also ensured they would not be afraid to tell the supervisor if something had gone wrong in the process (i.e chametz would be created) rather than let it slip through to avoid a yelling.

By: Mordechai

Mordechai — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 09:29:26 +0000

Good article. Thanks.

But how can it be allowed to go without a quibble.

“When Rav Yisroel Salanter was asked what stringencies should be observed in baking matzah, he said, “One. Don’t yell at the women rolling out the matzos.””

My recollection is that is was more like ‘the woman rolling the matzos is an almonoh (widow). Be especially careful not to speak harshly and oppress her.”

Of course, I doubt R. Yisroel would be really upset with your formulation as well.