Seasonal Chalav Yisrael

Chalav yisrael on a schedule

Every year during Aseres Yemei Teshuva, the litvish world whips out one of its favorite seasonal minhagim: the great ten day cosplay of Chalav Yisrael. Suddenly everyone who drinks treif USDA cow-juice all year decides that for ten days straight, they need to “look their best for Hashem.” Cute, adorable even. Like watching a guy suck in his stomach for pictures and pretending that counts as fitness.

Because let us translate the moshul honestly: “I cannot be bothered to do the right thing the entire year, but for ten days I will cosplay as someone who can.” If Chalav Yisrael is truly correct, then why is your conviction on a part-time lease agreement. And if it is not correct, then congratulations, you are voluntarily doing something you believe is pointless for the spiritual equivalent of a limited time promotion.

This is not a chumra, this is not a minhag, this is not spirituality. This is philosophical incoherence wearing a black hat.