# 1122 Out of Touch
The fact that I just will do office work, and will not come in physical contact with the product itself, does that permit importing and distributing non kosher foods?
Gilyon Maharsho (Y.D. 117: 1) rules that one may not give money to a Gentile to do business for him in forbidden products, even if he wont be in contact with the items. (See also Maharam Shik Y.D. 136: p. 41, Darchei Teshuva 117:2). Some Poskim would extend the above to include buying stocks in a non-Kosher public company. Other Poskim permit, as they see the purchase of stock only as an investment and not an actual business endeavour. (See Shearim Metzuyanim B’halacha 64: 4 Kuntres Achron, 114: 28)
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is preferable, even in rabbinically prohibited items (see question above), not to become the owner of the imported non-kosher products and act only as an agent for import and distribution.
A competent Rabbi should be consulted to draft the business agreement that would Halachicaly permit the above.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a
Answered by: Hagaon Rav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
Published: July 19, 2016