Question:
Why do we separate six hours for meat and one hour for milk? What’s the concept behind it. This website got upgraded? This site looks good.
Answer:
The reason why we wait after eating meat, and not after eating milk is because meat has a strong taste which leaves a residue on the person’s throat and palate. Additionally pieces of the meat can get stuck between the person’s teeth. This does not apply to eating soft cheeses and milk. Interestingly, the same way we wait after eating meat we also wait after eating a hard cheeses, such as parmesan or Swiss cheese, because they have a strong taste and can get stuck between one’s teeth.
As a side point the are different customs regarding waiting after eating milk. Some people have the custom to wait half an hour, while many have the custom not to wait at all, but only to drink and eat something in between the two. This serves as a way or rinsing and wiping one’s mouth out in between the two.
Sources:
Yora Deah 89-1,2
