Removing the Fizz from Soda

Q. May one stir a cup of soda to remove the fizz?

A. The Machatzis Hashekel (321:24) (based on the Magen Avrohom) explains that there is a dispute between Hagaos Maimoni and Rashi whether one may whip foods which change their form when stirred. Hagaos Maimoni writes that one may not stir drinks such as beer to cause them to froth. The Ben Ish Chai (Rav Pe’alim OC 1:18) explains that causing beer to form a head is prohibited because of molid (creating something new). Beating raw eggs may be prohibited for the same reason as well. However, Rashi (Shabbos 109a) states that one may not beat eggs on Shabbos, because this gives the impression that they are being prepared for cooking. From Rashi it appears that one may whip other foods where this concern would not apply. One might think that soda may be stirred according to Rashi, since this action does not prepare it for cooking, while stirring soda would be prohibited according to Hagaos Maimoni because of molid. In reality, Hagaos Maimoni would also permit stirring soda because the bubbles dissipate almost immediately, unlike beating eggs and foaming beer where the change is more significant.

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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.