Another Case Of Business Interests Interfering With Halachah

Just to show that this is not an isolated idea, Mystical Paths is now running a crusade against certain practices he (and I) consider idolatrous. He already has multiple posts on this issue, with probably more to follow.

Ah, the open nature of the Internet.

About 100 years ago, a Rav challenged the non-supervised and not-(necessarily)-kosher milk production and consumption in New York City. The members of the community that were involved in the milk and dairy product business came after him, hounded him, threatened him, even tried to take him to a beis din for harming their business.

In his lifetime, as required by the Shulchan Aruch, chalav yisroel (properly supervised kosher dairy products) became available in the city.

About 35 years ago, a rav challenged the method of schechita (kosher slaughter) in the New York area kosher slaughterhouses. The factory developed process had developed certain methods that were straight forward violations of halacha. The slaughterhouse owners came after him, hounded him, threatened him, and even tried to take him to a beis din for harming their business.

Today no kosher slaughterhouse follows those problematic methods.

About 20 years ago, a rav challenged the method of production of klaf (parchment) for mezuzahs, tefillin, and sefer torahs. The factory method used in Israel at the time had a step that was a clear violation of halacha. The owners and distributors came after him, hired thugs to attack him and shoot up his car, and even tried to take him to a beis din for harming their business.

Today kosher certified klaf is readily available (though more expensive) for soferim writing mezuzahs, tefillin, sefer torahs, and megillahs. (You should ask the question when buying if it was written on kosher certified kalf. Not every sofer or source is aware of this issue.)

Go there for the threats too.

The analogies are clear. Although in this case the Rabbonim have little interest in fighting the industry here. So you won't have music, big deal, the thought goes.

BTW, Rav Belsky is one of the Rabbonim who explicitly ban copying music. But, there's a tape circulating where he clearly states that its his belief that its assur to listen to music nowadays at all! (Except for therapeutical reasons. Hardly applicable.)

I know, you'll pick and choose. Its America.