A. This is included in the Kashrus laws of the Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Law – the tallest set on my bookshelf), yet it is not a Kosher Law. The Rabbis deemed it a safety issue, that it was a “sakana” or danger to eat the two together. I have not seen any description of this danger, or if it is a spiritual concern or an actual physical danger. (Someone once suggested to me that it was due to the small bones present in fish – perhaps? Doesn’t sounds right.) The codifiers took this seriously, at times to the point of “chamira sakanta missurah” – danger is of more concern than forbidden food. However the separation between fish and meat is far, far more relaxed than milk and meat for example. They can be eaten immediately before or after each other, with just a drink in between. Most observant folks use the same equipment and utensils, however will not use a fork that was just used with fish for meat, without prior rinsing.
– Besides, it makes for a great way to break up the courses, and for me to stick my little speech in between.
