Igrot Kodesh · Letter 6561 — Tzedakah

By the grace of Hashem*,

20 MarCheshvan* 5719,

Brooklyn,

Greetings and blessings,

I am responding to your letter, in which you tell me that you have been offered to be, first, an inspector and then, subsequently, a Shochet* in Hamilton. Generally speaking, before becoming an independent Shochet* in a city where there is no other, one must first work with other experienced Shochtim*. Even if one has studied the Halachah* with books and from Shochtim*, even if one has acquired some practice, one cannot yet consider oneself a full-fledged Shochet* and occupy this post alone, for "none is as wise as one who has acquired experience."

Even in a place where the Shechitah* involves only animals that do not present adhesions, one cannot know from the outset what questions, what doubts one will encounter. It is therefore preferable to remain with the Shochtim* of Montreal and to continue acquiring experience, until it is sufficient to be the sole Shochet* of the city. And one knows that in case of doubt, it is preferable to abstain, especially when the responsibility one takes is so great. May Hashem* lead you in the manner that will be good for Him, in this domain. With my blessing to convey good news,