“Some Animals Die from Eating this Herb:” The Controversy between R. Yosef Caro and R. Moses di Trani Concerning the Common Giant Fennel

Abstract

In 1552, a virulent halakhic polemic opposed R. Joseph Caro and R. Moses Terani. The case happened in a slaughterhouse in Safed where shehita of cattle had taken place. It was found that the animals’ stomachs were in a bad condition. It was argued that the cause was a plant the animals had ingested—Kelekh. The two rabbis published different halakhic decisions concerning the kashrut of these animals. Caro declared that the meat was not permitted, while Terani allowed consumption of the meat. Kelekh is common giant fennel. The two rabbis addressed three questions: Does the plant render animals ritually unfit for eating? What is the meaning of the pathological symptoms found in the stomach of the livestock? Which parts of the plant are the source of the problem? The dispute between the rabbis had various consequences for the Jewish community: economic, health-related, and social.