Do Religious Jews Eat Raw Garlic on the Eve of Shabat?

I recently witnessed an authentic Orthodox Yemenite family in Monsey, New York, enjoying raw garlic on the eve of Shabat, a custom I had never seen before. This sparked an interesting discussion about the prevalence and reasons behind such traditions.

Observing a Unique Custom

The family they observed was particularly traditional, reciting the entire Song of Songs by heart before their meal and wearing traditional Yemenite clothing. The women covered their hair, a practice common in many Orthodox Jewish communities. They drank from traditional Temeni glasses, which I noted were in pristine condition. Something that caught my attention was the whiteness and perfection of their teeth, which I believe can be attributed to the use of garlic, known to promote dental health.

Common Practices and Their Significance

Nevertheless, as intriguing as this custom is, it is not widely practiced in most Jewish communities. This is due to the general injunction of avoiding strong-smelling or disruptive foods that might spoil the enjoyment of Shabat. Additionally, there is a custom for couples to make love on Friday night, making it inconsiderate to come to bed with a pungent smell. Therefore, such a practice, if it exists, would be rare or uncommon.

Historical Context and Tradition

A significant yet lesser-known tradition involving garlic dates back to the time of Ezra HaSofer. He enacted ten k'hilot (enactments) to enhance the fertility of the Jewish people, one of which was the consumption of garlic. While this practice is not as widely followed today, it can still be observed in some communities. Garlic is known for its medicinal qualities and has been associated with fertility in various cultures.

Garlic in Modern Jewish Practice

There is no compelling reason to eat garlic raw on the eve of Shabat. The consumption of garlic, in any form, on Friday night is an old tradition, but there is no specific requirement in Jewish law for this custom. It is more common to find roasted garlic as an appetizer or incorporated into main dishes on Shabbat. Garlic breath is inconsequential, as strong odors are generally frowned upon during the sanctity of Shabbat.

The use of garlic can be understood in the context of its numerous benefits, such as enhancing flavor and promoting health. However, consuming it raw and for the specific purpose of enhancing fertility would be unnecessary and unconventional.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there may be historical reasons for the consumption of garlic on Shabat, the practice is not commonly followed today. If you have heard of such a custom, it would be interesting to hear about the source of this information. Garlic is indeed a healthy addition to meals, but there is no compelling reason for its specific use on the eve of Shabat, given the cultural and religious sensitivities surrounding the day.

Keywords: raw garlic, Shabat, Jewish customs