The Controversy Surrounding Machine-made Matzot: Halakhic, Social, and Economic Repercussions
Machine matzot appeared in Europe by the end of the fourth decade of the eighteenth century (1838). About twenty years later a controversy erupted regarding their kashruth. Two distinct phases of the debate took place, a primary phase (1859—60) and a secondary one (1899—1900). Predominant rabbinic f...
| Authors: | ; |
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| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
HUC
2005
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| In: |
Hebrew Union College annual
Year: 2004, Volume: 75, Pages: 193-262 |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (lizenzpflichtig) |
| Parallel Edition: | Non-electronic
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| Summary: | Machine matzot appeared in Europe by the end of the fourth decade of the eighteenth century (1838). About twenty years later a controversy erupted regarding their kashruth. Two distinct phases of the debate took place, a primary phase (1859—60) and a secondary one (1899—1900). Predominant rabbinic figures, living mostly in Eastern Europe, voiced sharp criticism of the innovative production process. Their position was based on halakhic as well as social and economic arguments. Shortly thereafter, a front of equally influential supporters, living mostly in Western Europe, started to vigorously express an opposing view. The present study examines the history of the debate, which effectively continues to the present day, and its halakhic, social and economic implications. It draws on a database including historical observations, halakhic sources, contemporary press, documentary literature, social attitudes and economic statistics. The various sources are treated with a combined historic, social and economic approach. The interdisciplinary analysis facilitates presentation of a full picture of the debate, and shows how social and economic forces interact with the setting of halakhah. |
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| Contains: | Enthalten in: Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, Hebrew Union College annual
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