CHOLENT CLARIFICATION: Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein Clarifies: “It Is Permissible for Bochurim to Eat Cholent”

After a recent psak halacha suggesting that cholent should ideally be reserved for Shabbos, Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein has now clarified that there is no prohibition against serving the dish during the week in yeshivos or at simchos. He emphasized that his earlier statement was intended as guidance for enhancing Shabbos, not as a sweeping ban.

The clarification was published by Rav Zilberstein’s grandson, Rav Chaim Malin, who noted that “in response to many inquiries” following the widely circulated ruling on Matzav.com. Rav Zilberstein wanted to make clear that it is certainly permissible for yeshiva students to enjoy cholent during the week.

Following the original psak, numerous questions were raised regarding whether it would be appropriate to serve cholent at family celebrations like weddings and bar mitzvahs. Rav Zilberstein responded unequivocally: meals that are considered seudos mitzvah—where it is customary to serve cholent—may certainly include the dish.

One particular question involved yeshivos ketanos (mesivtos) that traditionally serve cholent on Thursday nights. Rav Zilberstein stated firmly, “Of course they should eat and be satisfied,” adding that bochurim are expected to rely on their roshei yeshiva in all matters. “If the yeshiva serves cholent as part of the weekday dinner menu, there is certainly no reason not to eat it,” he said.

The grandson further explained that the initial statement was a response to a private query from several avreichim and yeshiva bochurim who felt it may not be respectful to eat cholent during the week. Rav Zilberstein referenced several halachic sources suggesting that keeping certain foods special for Shabbos enhances the honor and pleasure of the day. However, he made it clear that in the context of yeshiva life and joyous occasions, there is no issue with enjoying cholent during the week as well.

{Matzav.com Israel}