Is there any official Psak or Minhag Chabad concerning butter made from Cholov Akum?

 

Question continued:

I would like to clarify the issue of butter that may be made with cholov akum. I see that the kitzur (and even the Alter Rebbe’s Shulchan Aruch) officially allows any butter to be eaten, but I know that this is not what we normally do in Chabad. Can you please clarify this? Is there any official psak or minhag chabad concerning butter?

 

Answer:

Such butter should not be eaten.

 

Explanation:

Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (38:15) does not say it is permitted. He says it depends on custom. I am not sure where you got that from the Alter Rebbe Shulchan Aruch. The only thing I am aware of him saying on the topic, aside for a general mention about the dispute in this matter (OC 442 Kuntres Acharon 15. Responsa 18), is that it is more lenient than other rabbinic prohibitions. (See YD 185:9).

As for an official Chabad ruling: The Tzemach Tzedek states that the custom has spread in all our circles not to eat such butter, and is absolutely binding to the extent that it can never be nullified.

Additional point noteworthy of mentioning: In today’s day and age, the production of butter is very different, with additives which could present other Cholov Yisroel concerns (aside for general kashrus concerns, which can be resolved with a proper certification).

 

 

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