Using a Light Box

In an earlier Halacha Yomis you mentioned that magnification is not required. What about the need for a light box? Does one need to use a light box when checking vegetables for insects?

(A subscriber's question)

It is not necessary to use magnification when checking vegetables for insects as explained in Tuv Taam V’Daas Kuntres Acharon (2:53). Nevertheless, Rav Belsky zt”l held that magnification may be used as a more time efficient tool to identify insects that are visible to the naked eye. Similarly, a light box is not required but as a tool it facilitates vegetable checking. However, if a light box is not used, it is important that vegetables are checked in a properly lit area to ensure that one does not miss any insects. Rav Belsky zt”l maintained that checking vegetables next to a window in the sunlight is acceptable [see Biur Halacha 319 s.v. V’yayin].

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.