If someone is a vegetarian, but she prioritizes strict halacha above her vegetarianism, should she eat meat on Shabbos, for Oneg Shabbos? What about Yom Tov, for Simchat Yome Tov? Should she even be a vegetarian?
Thanks!
~Aliza Gottlieb
Dear Aliza,
First, I must commend you on your general approach. Many people are committed to halacha, and many are committed to broader values such as vegetarianism, but far less people struggle to strike the balance between them. I also commend your ultimate decision to choose halacha over vegetarianism, if necessary.
In terms of your particular question, poskim are divided as to whether or not there is an obligation to eat meat on Shabbat and Yom Tov. The more common view is that there is no obligation to eat meat on Shabbat, although some require it. The question of meat on yom tov remains hotly debated (see the Gemara Pesachim 108b, Rambam Hilchot Yom Tov 6:18, Beit Yosef Orach Chaim 529; those sources and others can be found here: http://www.yutorah.org/_shiurim/Simchat%20Yom%20Tov.html). My personal view is that the simple understanding of the Gemara and Shulchan Aruch is that there is no obligation to eat meat on Shabbat or Yom Tov, but others disagree. So your best bet might be to ask a rabbi to whom you generally ask halachik questions.
Best,
Rabbi Sinensky
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