6035 —דחיית הקלות בשחיטה ושמירת תקני ההלכה

B"H, 5 Shevat, 5718.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"g vavac"h iy"a nu"n etc. David Winchester

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter, in which you write about the proposal to strike the animal's head immediately after shechita in order to hasten its death and allow workers to begin processing it sooner. It is clearly observed with all such proposals—whether before shechita or even after—that if one agrees to any of them, it sets a precedent and leads from one leniency to another, "from one permission to another," in addition to the inherent concerns in this matter itself (which need not be elaborated here). Since the benefit is minimal—only a difference of a few moments—there is no real loss even according to those who would wish "to permit," and this should be clear.

I hope—even though you did not mention it—that you participated in the farbrengen of the bright day of Yud-Tes Kislev, and may it be G‑d's will that the inspiration from it will be evident throughout the entire year.

With honor and blessing for health in its plain and simple sense, and for good news.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that accepting even minor leniencies in shechita can lead to greater halachic laxity. He urges maintaining strict standards, especially when any perceived benefit is negligible.