Lifnei Iver - Fulfilling a Request

QUESTION: Does one violate “lifnei iver lo sitain michshol” (do not place a stumbling block before a blind man) if serving a non-kosher food to a Jew while making it clear that the food is forbidden?

ANSWER: Yes. Although the term lifnei iver (before a blind man) implies that the person does not realize that a stumbling block was placed in front of him, the prohibition to cause another to sin applies even if the transgressor is aware of the wrongdoing. Rav Chaim Ozer Grodzinsky (Achiezer 3:65) explains that one who willfully sins and rebels against G-d is overcome by a spirit of foolishness (as noted in Talmud Soteh, 3a). Therefore, a person who is intent on sinning is treated as a blind man who is unable to recognize the impending danger, even if he is aware that the food is not kosher.

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The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt"l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.