---
title: "Ask a Rabbi: This Is a Guide, Not a Ruling"
description: "KosherFish is a guide, not a halachic ruling. We built it to give you a fast, well-sourced first answer and to point you in the right direction. Use it alongside your rabbi, not in place of one. ## What the…"
url: "https://kosherfish.co/help/ask-a-rabbi-guidance/"
updated: "2026-10-12"
category: Kosher Fish Basics
---

# Ask a Rabbi: This Is a Guide, Not a Ruling

KosherFish is a guide, not a halachic ruling. We built it to give you a fast, well-sourced first answer and to point you in the right direction. Use it alongside your rabbi, not in place of one.

## What the site is good for

Use it to make a smart first call at the store, to learn the fins-and-scales rule, and to spot the look-alike fish that cause trouble. The verdicts are cross-referenced with widely accepted lists from the Orthodox Union and Chabad.

## When to ask a rabbi

- When a fish is unusual, rare, or you cannot identify it with confidence.
- When the fish is a skinless fillet and you cannot see the scales for yourself.
- When the preparation raises a question, like processed products, roe, or anything sold under a loose name.
- Any time the answer really matters and you want a binding ruling.

## The standing reminder

Every fish page, and both apps, end with the same line on purpose:

> This is a guide, not a halachic ruling. When in doubt, ask a trusted rabbi.

Read the site, learn the rule, and lean on your rabbi for the calls that count.