Can a soldier in enemy territory eat kitniot? |
Traditionally,
Ashkenazi Jews have the custom not to eat kitniot (legumes) on Pesach. There
may be less of a selection in the stores in Israel of foods that do not contain
kitniot but there is still plenty to buy. The army bases in Israel serve only
food that does not contain kitniot on Pesach and the soldiers have enough to
eat. Unfortunately,
this year Israel is at war on a few fronts. Many soldiers will not be able to
be home or at their regular bases for Pesach and will be out in the battlefield
in enemy territory. In areas where
the army will be able to distribute hot food to the soldiers, they will give
out food that is kosher for Pesach without kitniot. In areas where
hot food can’t be delivered, the soldiers will receive matzah as well as
everything that is needed for the seder. Aside from that, they will be given army
rations without kitniot such as tuna in water, potato crackers, jelly, Pesach
cakes and cookies and nuts. They will also receive army rations that include
kitniot such as canned corn, beans, chickpeas, halva etc. The Army
Rabbinate explains that Ashkenasic authorities throughout history (including
Chatam Sofer and the Mishna Brura) have allowed the use of kitniot during a
time of great necessity (sh’at ha’dchak) when there was a food shortage. They
also allowed a sick person to eat kitniot, even if they were not sick enough
for their life to be in danger (choleh she’ein bo sakana). The Chief Rabbi
of Tzahal declared that a prolonged war on enemy territory would be considered
a sh’at ha’dchak if there is not enough satisfying food and therefore even
Ashkenasim would be allowed to eat kitniot. This would be a specific heter
(dispensation) due to the war and one would not need to do “Hatarat Nedarim” (annul their vows). Those who want to
be strict and not eat kitniot can certainly be lenient with products that
contain kitniot oils such as canola oil which may be found in tuna fish or
chocolate spread. One must
remember that kitniot are not Chametz and may be owned by those who don’t eat
them. There is no dispensation for eating Chametz even while we are at war. May this war end
before the holiday and then this information will no longer be needed. Pesach Kasher
v’Sameach! |