NYC WATER

Asked by dave · September 21, 2004 · Kashrut

Question

"existed in Europe and and no one ever questioned..." Is that a fact?! That they existed in Europe is a fact. These copepods exist in all creeks and streams. Lo shamati eino ra'ayah, but i've never heard of anyone raising this question until a few months ago. I will not buy a filter because if I do I will not have the money to pay my children's yeshivah tuition. More important, I refuse to subscribe to a halachic authority who takes the same water that all people have been drinking since matan torah and finds a reason to declare it treif. Whatever happened to chezkas Kashrus? Remember, it is not only NYC water that is at issue. All rivers and streams contain these same copods. DW

Answer

Answered by Aaron Abadi

Wait a minute here! The Shulchan Aruch brings this concept regarding water having bugs in Yoreh Deah (#84) & in Orach Chaim (#319). There are Rishonim that bring this too. The Chafetz Chaim never drank water without first filtering it. (Chafetz Chaim. Michtavim Dugma Medarkei Aba Page #29 #63A The Kitzur Shulchan Aruch writes the same (46;31). And in many other Seforim. Is your Halacha determined by your conveniences? Or are you prepared to be uncomfortable if the law is that way? Think about it! AA