Are Jews required to eat meat on Shabbat (Sabbath) and Yom Tov (holidays)?
There is no requirement anywhere to eat meat on Shabbat. We are supposed to experience oneg Shabbat, the pleasure of Shabbat, but that pleasure is not defined. Therefore, one does on Shabbat whatever one considers to be pleasurable. For Yom Tov, we are supposed to experience the simcha, or joy, of the holiday. Many commentators felt that when the Beit Hamikdash (Temple) was standing, consumption of meat was considered an integral part of this simcha, although Tosafot and Rabbeinu Nisim felt that it was not required. However, following the destruction of the Temple, the Gemara (Pesachim 109a) states only that wine is an integral part of the simcha. Thus, it would appear that there is no requirement for the consumption of meat. The situation is complicated by the assertion of the Rambam (Maimonides) that on Yom Tov, men eat meat and drink wine. However, he also noted that women should receive nice clothing and jewelry, and children should be given sweets and nuts. As the Sha’agat Aryeh (
