Question
During the "Shulchan Orech" of the seder, may one eat, Beef, Lamb, Veal, etc. that was seared or fried in pan or skillet. It’s my understanding the custom is not to eat "roasted" meat only.
Thanks
Chaim
Bet-El, Israel
Answer
Shalom,
Thank you for your question. The custom not to eat meat during the Seder is recorded in the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Haim, 576,1), and is order that one should not assume, in error, that they are eating the korban pesach. Not all Jews accepted this practice, but the Mishna Brurah (ibid, 1) writes that in our locals we follow the practice of refraining from roasted meat during the Seder.
The custom applies only to all meat, including chicken, but not fish or other foods such as vegetables etc, which may be roasted. Any type of roasting, whether barbecued or broiled over an open fire, or in the oven, is prohibited according to this custom. And most rabbis apply the custom to pot roast also (ie meat roasted in a pot without any added liquid).
In regards to fried meat – there are those who rule that this too is considered as roasted meat (see Piskay Tshuvot, ibid). But others hold that fried meat is not included in the custom (Siddur Pesach KeHilchatah). It would seem to me that as this is based on custom one may be lenient if there is no family tradition on the matter.
Blessings for a great Pesach
