Can You Eat Beef Jerky During the Nine Days?
Beef jerky is meat, so during the Nine Days, when many Jews refrain from eating meat, jerky is off the menu too. A snack does not change it. The practice has exceptions, such as Shabbos, and differs between communities, so here is an overview; for your own practice, ask your rabbi.
What the Nine Days are
The Nine Days run from Rosh Chodesh Av to Tisha B'Av, the fast day that mourns the destruction of both Temples. As the day approaches, mourning practices increase. One of them, in many communities, is refraining from meat and wine, which are associated with celebration and, historically, with the Temple offerings.
Who refrains, and when
| Practice | Commonly kept by |
|---|---|
| No meat from Rosh Chodesh Av until after Tisha B'Av | Most Ashkenazim |
| No meat only in the week of Tisha B'Av | Many Sephardim |
| Some wait until midday on the 10th of Av | Many communities, since the Temple continued burning |
Common exceptions
- Shabbos. Meat is eaten as normal on Shabbos during the Nine Days.
- A seudat mitzvah, such as a siyum or a brit milah, where meat may be served.
- Health reasons, for which people consult their rabbi.
Whether any of these apply to you is a question for your rabbi.
Practical planning
- Stock up after Tisha B'Av, not before. Sealed bags keep for months, so there is no pressure either way.
- For Shabbos during the Nine Days, jerky and biltong can be part of the Shabbos table as usual.
- Summer camp. Many camps go dairy for the Nine Days. Jerky in a care package arriving then may have to wait for Shabbos or after Tisha B'Av; time packages accordingly.
- Pareve protein during the Nine Days: nuts, eggs, fish, beans and dairy take its place for many families.
Our kosher beef jerky and biltong are certified Glatt Kosher and meat. More on why jerky is always meat.
Try it: Summer Camp Package Planner: Kosher Jerky. Tell it the camp’s rules and session; get what to send.
