Is It Permitted to Barbecue on Rosh Hashanah?

Shalom u’vracha, The answer to this question is divided into two separate aspects: The first is the halachic aspect: whether this is permitted and does not involve a concern of forbidden melachah on Yom Tov. The second is the hashkafic aspect: whether this is appropriate conduct on Rosh Hashanah, which is also the Day of Judgment.

A.

Regarding the first aspect, it is important to note that this year, 5784 (2023), Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbat. Consequently, there is no permission whatsoever to handle fire on the first day of Rosh Hashanah, just as on every Shabbat. Therefore, our discussion concerns only the second day of Rosh Hashanah. The halachah of Rosh Hashanah is the same as that of other Yamim Tovim (see Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 496:2 and 513:5 concerning the second day of Rosh Hashanah, whose law is the same as that of the first day of Rosh Hashanah). We will therefore explain the halachah of barbecuing on Yom Tov. First, there are “electric barbecues” and “gas barbecues,” and these are essentially like ordinary ovens or stovetops, which one operates and uses—provided, of course, that one transfers from an existing flame to another flame and does not create a new fire, which is not permitted on Yom Tov. There is also a “charcoal barbecue,” which may be used according to the basic halachah. Regarding kindling, it is clear that one may add fire for the needs of ochel nefesh. Although placing the meat on the grill causes the coals to dim somewhat, this is permitted. Likewise, one may fan the fire so that it burns better, even though fanning causes the coals to dim, or sometimes a flame produced by the fanning is extinguished. This is because the overall purpose is to increase the fire, not to extinguish it, and it is done as part of cooking. When the charcoal fire is too high to grill over and one fears that the meat will be scorched as a result, one may lower it. However, this may not be done merely so that the food will turn out more attractive and superior. Likewise, if one can move the meat to another area of the barbecue where it will not be scorched, one must do so, and consequently has no permission to extinguish the charcoal. Accordingly, we understand that when one has finished using it, it is forbidden to extinguish the barbecue, whether it is a charcoal or gas barbecue. However, one may connect it to a gas timer and set the timer before lighting the fire, just as one may stop the operation of other appliances by setting a Shabbat timer before the festival. [When there is a concern of danger to life in leaving the charcoal burning, and the problem cannot be resolved other than by extinguishing the charcoal, it is permitted to extinguish it, for pikuach nefesh overrides the entire Torah. Therefore, if one fears that children may play with the burning fire and endanger themselves, it is preferable not to use a charcoal barbecue at all. One should not place oneself in a situation of pikuach nefesh that will require extinguishing the charcoal.] There are many additional details in this area. A comprehensive work has already been written on the subject, entitled Tzli Esh (available in the Otzar HaChochmah library here), by a graduate of our beit midrash, HaRav HaGaon Yaakov Yisrael Revach shlit”a. Anyone of understanding realizes that one cannot handle a barbecue without thoroughly mastering the details of its halachot. This is especially so on Rosh Hashanah, when one must be careful on the Day of Judgment regarding even the slightest trace of sin, and not enter into a possibility of desecrating Yom Tov through kindling or extinguishing.

B.

Thus far, we have discussed the halachic aspect. We will now turn to the hashkafic aspect. Even on other Yamim Tovim, there appear to be two reasons to refrain from grilling meat over charcoal: The first is that, ordinarily, making a barbecue involves setting it up and kindling the charcoal, which is done outside the home. Afterwards, one must stand for several hours before the heat of the barbecue, preparing meat and fanning the flames. This is strenuous and messy work—although some people greatly enjoy it—and it is not in keeping with the honor of Yom Tov. The second is that involvement in all of this weakens the elevated atmosphere of the festival. After all, “Shabbatot and festivals were given only so that one may engage in words of Torah” (Yerushalmi, Shabbat, chapter 15, halachah 3). Therefore, even if some people feel that barbecuing gives them a festive atmosphere, it is more appropriate to reserve it for Chol HaMoed, Isru Chag—the time for “making a barbecue”—or for Isru Chag. All the more so, it is not appropriate for Rosh Hashanah. However, everything depends on the setting and the circumstances. For example, the reason of Torah study does not apply to women. Likewise, with an electric barbecue operated by a Shabbat timer, or with a gas barbecue, there is less exertion and the festive atmosphere is still preserved. Nevertheless, even with an ordinary barbecue, since there is no halachic prohibition involved, people who are accustomed to using a charcoal barbecue on Yom Tov, and for whom this is their simchat Yom Tov, may continue their custom, provided that they are careful about all the halachot of Yom Tov and prepare thoroughly. On Rosh Hashanah, however, this is less recommended. (I subsequently saw cited that the Gaon Rabbeinu Chaim Palaggi would warn against smoking on Rosh Hashanah, because it involves a distraction from the awe of judgment on the great and awesome Day of Judgment. All the more so regarding grilling meat over a fire, which causes considerable exertion and can lead to frivolity and recreation on a day that should be entirely one of seriousness, together with the mitzvah joy of simchat Yom Tov.) One should also take into account that there are neighborhoods of charedi residents where barbecuing is not customary. When a neighbor makes a barbecue and the smoke spreads throughout the neighborhood, it gives them a sense of disrespect for the festival. This too is sufficient reason not to do so (as my uncle, HaRav HaGaon Yehudah Berachah shlit”a, noted in She’elot U’Teshuvot Birkat Yehudah, vol. 6, Choshen Mishpat, siman 5), even though, according to the strict halachah, the neighbors have no right to prevent him from doing so. Much success, and with blessings for a good and blessed year.