May One Dispose of Challah Instead of Burning It?

Instead of burning the Challah after separating it from the dough, may I double wrap the dough in aluminum foil and place it in a garbage bin?

(A subscriber’s question)

The Gemara (Shabbos 25a) writes that just as there is a mitzvah to burn Kodshim (sanctified meats) that became tamei (ritually unclean), so too there is a mitzvah to burn Teruma (Challah is a form of Teruma) that became tamei. Tosfos (Shabbos 24b s.v. L’fi) explains that burning Teruma that is tamei is a fulfillment of a Biblical commandment. Although separation of Challah today is only of Rabbinic origin, nevertheless there is a mitzvah, albeit mid’Rabbanan, to burn Challah. Therefore, Rav Schachter, Shlita explained that it is not correct to wrap up one’s Challah and throw it away, as this avoids the fulfillment of the mitzvah. However, once the Challah is completely burned, it may then be discarded.

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.