Hi,
Can one own shares in a company that trades in non-kosher product specifically where they sell meat and milk together. Does this fall under the prohibition of Issurei Hana’ah.
Thank You
Bernard Balkin.
Answer:
According to many authorities, it is permitted to own stock in companies that sell non-kosher food.
Rav Yitzchak Isaav Ha-Levi Ittinger (Shut Maharia Vol. 2, sec. 54, 124), a prominent nineteenth century halachic authority, rules that shareholding does not constitute halachic ownership, which relieves any concern over a prohibition. See Shut Cheishev Ha’ephod (Vol. 1, sec. 62), who writes that the Rov of Tchebin also cited this ruling, and see also Shut Maharam Shik (sec. 158) and Shut Melamed Leho’il (91).
According to the Igros Moshe, it is permitted to own stock in the company provided that the said ownership will not bequeath the shareholder significant decision-making power in company affairs. It is worthy to be stringent for this opinion.
These ruling will apply even to companies that trade in meat and milk, because the benefit is not direct, but rather an indirect benefit of the shares/stocks increasing in value.
Some are more stringent in this matter (see Minchas Yitzchak 3:1), but one can certainly rely on the lenient authorities.
For a lengthy appraisal of the matter, please see our article on the subject here.
Best wishes.
