Q. We have a well attended Kiruv Torah Shiur once a week. Part of the success of the group possibly is due to the delicious food served. During the summer we often make a very attractive BBQ.
Can we during the Nine Days offer Delicious OU certified veggie- burgers that taste, look and smell like real meat burgers? Is there a problem of Marit Ayin or prohibited because it may seem to observers to be in violation of Jewish law, even when in reality it is fully permissible?
A. One may place a broad noticeable sign by the BBQ that the broiled food is Pareve. Our Rabbonim questioned that the spreading smell may be problematic for neighbours or the passerby that may not see the sign but will feel the smell. However, since it is a Torah Shiur with open Sefarim, they can assume that there is a permitted Siyum taking place
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a.