Eating fish during Shabbat or fridayevening, also known as "Fish must swim", is a beloved tradition for some including myself.
The idea behind it is that when you use dairy products for the Friday night meal, you choose not to eat meat, but instead put fish on the table. This can be a refreshing and tasty change for those who adhere to the dietary regulations set forth in the Torah and are intended for Jews, but who are certainly optional for a Noahide, let's say "kosher style" food.
The main concept behind this tradition is to avoid mixing milk and meat during a meal. According to Jewish food law, which is known as kashrut, dairy products and meat products are strictly separated. This includes not only combining these ingredients in one dish, but also preparing and serving milk and meat products separately.
If you choose to use dairy products during Friday evenings, such as eating Challes (a flour offering is not what a Noahide is commanded to do, but did I hear that in the days of the Temple a piece of dough was also given to the Cohen Gadol?) made from milk and butter, it is strongly advised to avoid meat. For this reason, fish can be an excellent alternative.
Fish is not categorized as meat in nutritional law or kashrut described in the Torah and therefore it can be eaten as part of a meal with dairy products. Fish is not only a suitable option due to its adherence to dietary regulations, but it can also be a delicious addition to the Friday night meal. Whether you choose humble canned tuna or delicious salmon trout, there are countless options for preparing fish in a tasty way. Seafood dishes are often light and refreshing, making them a perfect pairing for a sandwich like Challes.
Serving fish at the Friday night meal also offers a chance to get creative with your dishes. You can experiment with different herbs and spices to create unique flavors. In addition, there are many healthy benefits associated with eating fish, such as the high content of omega-3 fatty acids and various vitamins and minerals that are good for your body.
So, the next time you're using dairy products for Friday night, consider putting mackerel or a pot of roast herring on the table. It is a delicious and nutritious alternative to meat dishes and it fits perfectly within the dietary regulations outlined in the Torah, an option for us Noahide. Whether you opt for a simple tuna salad or an elaborate salmon trout dish, fish is sure to be a welcome addition to the Friday night table.
In any case, it should be clear that making a sandwich does not necessarily have to be Challes, it can also be a homemade sandwich based on milk. "Let fish swim, but especially on the Friday evenings!