Bishul Akum: Difference between revisions

# There are a number of reasons for this gezeirah. The opinion of Rashi<ref>Rashi (Beitzah 16a s.v. ein and Avodah Zarah 35b s.v. v’hashlakos) and Tosfot (Avoda Zara 38a). Refer to Rambam Hilchos Machalas Asuros 17:15, Tur Y.D. 113, Ramban Meseches Avodah Zarah 35b.</ref> is that chazal wanted to prevent socializing with non-Jews, which might lead to intermarriage<ref>Devarim 7:3. </ref> (chasnus).<ref>Rambam Hilchos Machalas Asuros 17:15, Issur V’heter 43:1, Tur Y.D. 112. Refer to Pardes Yosef Vayeichi 49:page 838 (new). The issur applies even if one may not come to intermarriage (Refer to Rashba 1:248, Ramban Meseches Avodah Zarah 35b, Levush Y.D. 113:1, Shevet Hakehasi 6:273). There is no difference if the non-Jew bows down to idols or not in regard to this halacha (See Pri Tohar 112:3, Matei Yehonosson 112, Rav Poalim Y.D. 4:17, Yechaveh Daas 5:54, see Rav Poalim Y.D. 4:17, Shema Shlomo Y.D. 2:67, Shulchan Melachim pages 194-198).  Regarding whether an issue of [[bishul]] akum exists if there will be animosity see Taz Y.D. 152:1, Shach on Taz Y.D. 152:1, Chavos Yuer 66, Shulchan Melachim pages 189-194 in depth. </ref> Rashi in Meseches Avodah Zarah<ref>38a “m’d’rabanan.” Refer to Tur 113, Ha’go’es Ashri Meseches Avodah Zarah 2:28, Levush 113:1, Chochmas Adom 66:1. </ref> says that we are concerned that the non-Jew will mix in a non-kosher item into the food.<ref>Refer to [[Bishul]] Yisroel page 3:footnote 1 on the two views of Rashi. </ref> Most poskim agree with the first reason.<ref>Rambam Hilchos Machalas Asuros 17:9, 15, Tosfas Meseches Avodah Zarah 38a “ela”,  Issur  V’heter 43:1, Tosfas Harid Meseches Avodah Zarah 35b, Ohr Zeruah Meseches Avodah Zarah 2:190:page 53, Tur 113, Bais Yosef 113, Bach, Levush 113:1, Taz 1, Shach 1, Prisha 3, Chochmas Adom 66:1, Pischei Teshuva 113:1, Aruch Hashulchan 2, 6, Kaf Hachaim 1, Chelkes Binyomin 113:1. The Halichos Shlomo Moadim 2:3:footnote 11 says the reason for the increase in intermarriage today is because of the many leniencies we accept for [[bishul]] akum. </ref> Chazal were more stringent with [[bishul]] ([[cooking]]) than with bread of a non-Jew.<ref>Shach 112:17, Aruch Hashulchan 113:1-2, see Mesora 1:pages 84-85. Refer to Igros Moshe Y.D. 1:45, Noam Halacha page 64:footnote 3 in depth.</ref>

# A food that can be eaten raw may be cooked by a non-Jew for two reasons. First, the [[cooking]] does not really improve the food<ref>Rashi Meseches Beitzah 16a “ein”, Chochmas Adom 66:1, Bais Yitzchok 33:pages 565-566, Chelkes Binyomin 113:3, 5.</ref> because it can be eaten raw<ref>Meseches [[Shabbos]] 51a, Avodah Zarah 38a, Ran Beitzah page 8b “im tzolon”, Rosh Meseches Avodah Zarah 2:28, Rif page 14, Issur V’heter 43:2, Tur 113, Shulchan Aruch 113:1, Toras Chatos 75:16,  Levush 2, Chochmas Adom 66:1, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 38:6. Refer to Tosfas Meseches Avodah Zarah 38a “dagim”.</ref> (and not considered cooked).<ref>Rashi Meseches Beitzah 16a “ein buhem”,  Levush 113:2.</ref> Second, food which is edible raw is not an important food and one would not invite someone to his home to eat such foods.<ref>Ran Meseches Beitzah 8b “im tzolon”, Taz 113:1.</ref> Examples of such foods are beets,<ref>OU document A-110. Refer to the opinion of the Be’er Moshe quoted in Pischei Halacha (Kashrus) page 119:12 regarding borscht.</ref> cheese,<ref>Tosfas Meseches Avodah Zarah 38a “ika”, Darchei Teshuva 113:5, Kaf Hachaim 15. Refer to [[Bishul]] Yisroel pages 576-557 regarding processed cheeses.</ref> fruits,<ref>Refer to Shevet Ha’Levi 6:108:5. This is even if they are fried in sugar or honey (Aruch Hashulchan 13).</ref> honey,<ref>Tosfas Meseches Avodah Zarah 38a “ika”,  Rosh 2:28, Rambam Hilchos Machalas Asuros 17:23, Issur V’heter 43:5, Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 114:7, Aruch Hashulchan 113:13, Yalkut Yosef Y.D. 2:page 149, Shevet Ha’Levi 6:109.</ref> juice, ice cream, milk, (this will be discussed in a later issue), sugar cane,<ref>Aruch Hashulchan 23.</ref> zucchini and other vegetables,<ref>Refer to Rambam Hilchos Machalas Asuros 17:14, Shulchan Aruch 113:3. This is only if the vegetable is not cooked with meat that is [[bishul]] akum since the fat from the meat gets absorbed into the vegetable (Shulchan Aruch 113:3, see G’ra 3, Darchei Teshuva 33-34, Chelkes Binyomin 33).</ref> and water.<ref>OU document A-110.</ref> Examples of foods that are not edible raw are asparagus, cauliflower, chicken, meat, potatoes, (this will be discussed in a later issue) and pumpkin.<ref>OU document A-110 </ref>

# The issur of [[bishul]] akum is limited to foods which are served on a king's table<ref>Meseches Avodah Zarah 38a, Rosh 2:28, Ran page 15, Rashba Meseches Avodah Zarah 38a, Rambam Hilchos Machalas Asuros 17:15, Tur 113, Shulchan Aruch 113:1,  Levush 3, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 38:6, Chochmas Adom 66:1, see Ritvah Meseches Avodah Zarah 38a. </ref> (oleh al shulchan melachim) and accompany bread (see below) (such as meat,<ref>Aruch Hashulchan 10. </ref> eggs, or fish)<ref>Rambam Hilchos Machalas Asuros 17:15, Ritvah Meseches [[Shabbos]] 51a, Meiri Meseches Avodah Zarah 35a. </ref> or as an appetizer.<ref>Rambam Hilchos Machalas Asuros 17:18, Issur V’heter 43:2, Tur 113, Bais Yosef, Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 113:1, Toras Chatos 75:16, Shach 112:5, Chochmas Adom 66:1, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 38:6, Chelkes Binyomin 113:12, [[Bishul]] Yisroel pages 180-181. Others say a dessert which is not eaten with bread is not a concern (Pri [[Chadash]] 114:6, Chasam Sofer 113:2, Kaf Hachaim 7), while others disagree (Refer to Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 113:1, Aruch Hashulchan 7, Darchei Teshuva 12). </ref> Only these types of foods are served at social gatherings and only then is there the concern for intermarriage.<ref>Rashba Toras Habayis 3:7. </ref> When there is no invitation, we are also not concerned that a non-Jew will mix non-kosher with kosher food.<ref>Chelkes Binyomin 113:3. Refer to [[Bishul]] Yisroel pages 130-131. </ref>

# Many say that any food that is fit to be served on a king's table is subject to [[bishul]] akum even if it is not eaten with bread.<ref>Rashba Meseches Avodah Zarah 38a, Toras Habayis 3:7, Levush 3, Pri Tohar 3, Tiferes Yisroel Meseches Avodah Zarah 2:52, Aruch Hashulchan YD 113:7, Darchei Teshuva 12, Shevet Ha’Levi 2:43, 10:124, [[Bishul]] Yisroel page 148:footnote 15 quoting the opinion of Harav Elyashiv Shlita.</ref> Others say that the above stipulation is to be taken literally and even an important food is only prohibited if it is eaten with bread.<ref>Ritvah Meseches Avodah Zarah 38a, Issur V’heter 43:2, Zer Zahav 2, Meiri Meseches Avodah Zarah 38a, Pri [[Chadash]] 113:3, 22, opinion of Harav Henkin zt”l quoted in Shearim Metzuyanim B’halacha 38:4, Hamesivta 5754:pages 83-84, Teharas Hamayim page 328:footnote*.  Such an example would be a fancy spread ([[Bishul]] Yisroel pages 170-172). </ref> The accepted custom follows the stringent opinion.

# There is a third, somewhat obscure exception, which permits food which does not change when it is cooked.<ref>The Shevet Ha’Levi 6:108:2 says this reason and the reason of edible raw is the same reason. Refer to the Pri [[Chadash]] 113:1. See Meseches Avodah Zarah 37b (bottom), Ohr Zeruah Meseches Avodah Zarah 2:191:page 53, Ha’go’es Ashri Meseches Avodah Zarah 2:28, Ran Meseches Avodah Zarah page 28 “rebbe”, Meiri Meseches Avodah Zarah 38a, Toras Chatos 75:16, Minchas Yaakov 75:32, Aruch Hashulchan  8. The Ran on page 15 (Meseches Avodah Zarah) says this third exception is not found in other Rishonim. See Darchei Moshe 113:3, Shach 113:1. </ref> However, most poskim maintain that this may not be relied upon to permit [[bishul]] akum.<ref>Issur V’heter 43:1, Shach 1, Be’er Heitiv 1, Pri [[Chadash]] 1, Pri Tohar 1, Aruch Hashulchan 9, Darchei Teshuva 14, Zivchei Tzedek 113:1, Kaf Hachaim 3, Chelkes Binyomin Biurim “davar” pages 60-61, Shevet Ha’Levi 2:43, Hamesivta 5754:pages 78-80.  Refer to Avnei Nezer Y.D. 96:1. </ref>

# The poskim debate the definition of "eaten raw." Some say that it depends on each individual's eating habits.<ref>Pri [[Chadash]] 113:2-3, Aruch Hashulchan 112:12, Darchei Teshuva 113:3 quoting the opinion of the Bnei Chai.</ref> However, many say that it follows the custom of most people.<ref>Rashi Meseches Avodah Zarah 38b “l’inyun”, Rashba Toras Habayis 3:7. Refer to Chochmas Adom 66:3. Refer to Shiurei Beracha  113:1, Darchei Teshuva 3, Chochmas Adom 66:4, Aruch Hashulchan 113:12, Kaf Hachaim 10, Shevet Ha’Levi 5:93:page 97, Chelkes Binyomin 113:6, Be’er Moshe quoted in Pischei Halacha (Kashrus) page 116:16. Refer to Chelkes Yaakov 113:5. </ref> Accordingly, if most people eat a food raw then one may eat it if a non-Jew cooked it. Even if he personally would not eat this food raw, his da'as is botel to all the other people.<ref>Chelkes Binyomin 113:6, see Biurim “nechal.”</ref>

# If it is common to eat the item raw with other ingredients, then the raw item is still considered edible raw.<ref>Gilyon Maharsha Y.D. 113, Magen Avraham O.C. 203:4, Mishna Brurah 203:11, M’Bais Levi 8:page 26:1, Chelkes Binyomin 113:6-7. Refer to [[Bishul]] Yisroel page 102, OU Document A-59 quoting the opinion of Rav Schachter Shlita, OU madrich pages 100-101. See Darchei Teshuva 113:4, [[Bishul]] Yisroel page 102 quoting the opinion of Harav Shmuel Felder Shlita. Refer to [[Bishul]] Yisroel page 463 who is not sure what status sushi has in this regard.</ref> A food which was edible raw while fresh is not considered edible raw after it dries out.<ref>Aruch Hashulchan 15. See Dugel Mervuva Y.D. 113. Refer to [[Bishul]] Yisroel pages 88-90. </ref>

# We mentioned earlier that food which is fit to be served on a king's table is subject to the halachos of [[bishul]] akum.<ref>Refer to Darchei Teshuva 113:10 if this applies to a Jewish king or non-Jewish king. In addition refer to [[Bishul]] Yisroel pages 187-188 if this applies to something which is fit for a king’s table sometimes. See Tosfas Meseches Beitzah 16b “dagim”,  Avodah Zarah 38a “dagim”.</ref> This term requires clarification. What if a king eats it for breakfast but would not eat it for supper? Some say that this refers to food that would be served at a royal dinner;<ref>Based on the Gemorah in Meseches Avodah Zarah 38a. Refer to Shevet Hakehasi 6:274:4. </ref> the prevailing opinion is that it refers to anyone of stature, not just a king.<ref>Issur V’heter 43:2, Shiurei Beracha Y.D. 113:2, Ben Ish Chai Chukas 2:9, Zivchei Tzedek 113:2, Kaf Hachaim 13:2. Refer to Aruch Hashulchan 18 who seems to hold this way as well. See Chelkes Binyomin 113:10, [[Bishul]] Yisroel page 133.  See Shulchan Melachim 2:pages 1164-1165. </ref> Others say it means food which would be served at a state dinner,<ref>Refer to Kashrus Kurrents from the Star-K “Food Fit For A King”.</ref> while some apply it even if a food is eaten by a king at breakfast<ref>Refer to Mesora 1:page 86:2, Shulchan Melachim 2:page 1209:3.  </ref> (this is not l'halacha). Others are of the opinion that it refers to a food that one would serve on [[Shabbos]] to invites guests,<ref>Based on the opinion of the Rambam in Hilchos Machalas Asuros 17:15, Be’er Moshe quoted in Pischei Halacha (Kashrus) page 116:18, opinion of Harav Falk Shlita in [[Bishul]] Yisroel (teshuvos) page 28:3. Refer to [[Bishul]] Yisroel pages 134-135 who says this clause is not mentioned in Shulchan Aruch, but it seems to be l’halacha anyways. </ref> or food served at a seudas mitzvah.<ref>Shevet Ha’kehusi 6:274:4, see Dinei Machalei Nuchrim pages 18-19. </ref> Harav Yisroel Belsky shlita says it refers to food served at a wedding smorgasbord.<ref>Based on a personal conversation. Refer to [[Bishul]] Yisroel (teshuvos) page 28:3 who does not seem to agree with this. </ref> Examples of foods which do not fit the above and are permitted are: chickpeas,<ref>Refer to Darchei Moshe 113:3, Rama 113:2, Aruch Hashulchan 13, 15-16, Halichos Olom 7:pages 102-103, Opinion of the Be’er Moshe quoted in Pischei Halacha (Kashrus) page 119:14, Halichos Olom 7:page 102,  OU Documents A-64:1, A-130, M-7. Refer to Rambam Hilchos Machalas Asuros 17:17, Ben Ish Chai Chukas 2:12. See Minchas Yaakov 75:31 who says (in his days) cooked chickpeas were fit to be served on a king’s table.</ref> corn (this will be discussed in a later issue), snacks,<ref>Toras Chaim Avodah Zarah 38a, Zechor L’Avraham 5762-5763:page 749, Teshuvos V’hanhagos 1:438, Noam Halacha page 190, opinion of Harav Elyashiv Shlita quoted in [[Bishul]] Yisroel page 169:footnote 3, Kitzur Hilchos [[Bishul]] Akum (Sharf) 11. </ref> Rice Krispies,<ref>Be’er Moshe quoted in Pischei Halacha (Kashrus) page 117:21, Star-K article entitled “Food Fit For A King”.</ref> and popcorn.<ref>Pischei Halacha (Kashrus) page 118:2, Rivevos Ephraim 7:page 450, Noam Halacha page 193, Chai Ha’Levi 4:50:10. </ref>

# If a food would only be fit for the king's table after certain spices and seasoning were added, it is still considered fit for the king's table even without the spices.<ref>Darchei Teshuva 113:9, Chelkes Binyomin 113:8. Refer  to OU document A-41. </ref>

# The opinion of the Chochmas Adam<ref>66:4. </ref> and others<ref>Rambam Hilchos Machalas Asuros 17:18, Pri Tohar 7, Shiurei Beracha 113:9, Kaf Hachaim 6 and 11, Chelkes Binyomin 113:6, [[Bishul]] Yisroel pages 198-199. The Pri [[Chadash]] 113:5 argues (see Sdei Chemed mareches [[bishul]] akum u’pitan 5:page 287, Darchei Teshuva 113:7).  </ref> is that these categories are based on the current custom and not on previous customs.

# The halacha is that anytime<ref>Rama 113:11, Chochmas Adom 66:9, Aruch Hashulchan 48. Refer to [[Bishul]] Yisroel 304-310. </ref> one has a doubt<ref>Even if the doubt is if a Jew was involved in the [[cooking]] of the food (Chelkes Binymon biurim “v’chein” page 100). </ref> whether a Jew stoked the coals<ref>Taz 11. This would not be valid according to the opinion of the Shulchan Aruch since stoking the coals is not [[bishul]] yisroel (Kaf Hachaim 68).  </ref>  (this will be discussed in a later issue), or if a food was cooked 1/3 by a Jew<ref>Chochmas Adom 66:9 </ref> (this will be discussed in a later issue), then we can be lenient. Some even say that if one is not sure whether a particular food is subject to the laws of [[bishul]] akum he may be lenient because of a sofek d'rabanan l'kula.<ref>Tosfas Meseches Avodah Zarah 38a “ika”, Issur V’heter 43:10, Tur 113, Rama 113:11, Toras Chatos 75:7, Chochmas Adom 66:9, Aruch Hashulchan 48. Refer to Darchei Teshuva 70. </ref> There is a discussion if we can be lenient if one is unsure if a food is fit to be served on a king's table. Some poskim are lenient even if one can verify the status,<ref>Opinion of the Shevet Ha’Levi quoted in Kerem Ephraim page 48:15:1. Refer to Pri Megadim Sifsei Da’as Y.D. 110:34. </ref> but the custom is to be stringent.<ref>Shach 110:34 (dinei sfek sfeika), [[Bishul]] Yisroel pages 490-491, opinion of Harav Falk Shlita quoted in [[Bishul]] Yisroel page 52 (teshuvos) 5:16. </ref>

# There is a discussion in the poskim if food cooked by a non-Jew<ref>The Shach 113:20 says [[cooking]] for herself is more stringent because it is unlikely that a Jew will intervene. Refer to Prisha 113:17, Chochmas Adom 66:11. See Shulchan Melachim 2:pages 959-957.</ref> renders the pot treif.<ref>Some say if the [[cooking]] was not done in front of us then there is a concern of non-kosher being cooked and all would agree that hagalah is required (Chelkes Binyomin 113:134). </ref> Some poskim say that no hagalah (kashering) is required.<ref>Ritvah Meseches Avodah Zarah 38a, Issur V’heter 43:8, Shulchan Aruch 113:16, Levush 16, Shiurei Beracha 18. Refer to Hamesivta 5754:pages 123-125 who says most poskim hold no hagalah is required. </ref> Some explain that the main reason for the issur of [[bishul]] akum is because of intermarriage, and there is no socializing with flavor absorbed in the pot.<ref> Bedek Habayis 3:7:page 209 (new), G’ra 40, 42, See Aruch Hashulchan 113:50. </ref> However, many poskim maintain that hagalah is in fact required,<ref>Rashba in Toras Habayis 3:7 (end), Rashba Meseches Avodah Zarah 38a, Ran (teshuvos) 5:11, Toras Chatos 75:14, Tur, Bais Yosef, Shulchan Aruch 113:16, Levush 16, Shiurei Beracha 18-19, Chochmas Adom 66:11, Mishna Brurah O.C. 328:63,  Aruch Hashulchan 113:50, Kaf Hachaim Y.D. 113:89, Igros Moshe Y.D. 2:41, Kitzur Hilchos [[Bishul]] Akum (Berger) page 45:67. Refer to Matei Yehonosson 113:16, Pri [[Chadash]] 25, Kashrus 2:pages 13-20 in depth.  See Shulchan Melachim 2:pages 943-951.</ref> and this is the overwhelming custom.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 113:16, Aruch Hashulchan 113:50, Chai Ha’Levi 5:54:1. Some say if the [[cooking]] was done in a Jewish home or Jewish establishment no hagalah is required since there are two sefikos. One doubt is if such utensils require hagalah and the other doubt is if there is [[bishul]] akum in a Jew’s home (Halichos Olom 7:page 104:footnote). </ref> The reason is that the food itself becomes forbidden, and the blios (absorption) from the food are considered as "machalas asuros."<ref>Toras Habayis 3:7:page 214 (new), Aruch Hashulchan 113:50. See Gr’a 113:40, 42. Refer to Tzitz Eliezer 22:44 in depth on this dispute. </ref> This applies even if the utensils were not used within twenty-four hours (eino ben-yomo) in which case the taste of the food is pogem (ill tasting).<ref>Ben Ish Chai Chukas 2:24, Kaf Hachaim 113:89-90, Chelkes Binyomin 113:138, [[Bishul]] Yisroel pages 373-374, opinion of Harav Falk Shlita stated in [[Bishul]] Yisroel (teshuvos) page 67. Refer to Chochmas Adom 66:12. See Darchei Teshuva 113:92 who brings a lenient opinion. See Rama O.C. 452:2, Mishna Brurah 20. The opinion of Harav Falk Shlita stated in [[Bishul]] Yisroel (teshuvos) pages 78-79 is that in time of need one can be lenient and do hagalah even within twenty-four hours.  Refer to Chochmas Adom 66:12. </ref> Nonetheless, one can do hagalah (after waiting twenty-four hours)<ref>Kaf Hachaim 113:90, Chelkes Binyomin 113:142. </ref> for an earthenware utensil (which we normally do not kasher)<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 451:22. </ref> three times and use it for kosher food.<ref>Bais Yosef 113, Shulchan Aruch 113:16, Toras Chatos 75:14, Levush 16, Chochmas Adom 66:11, Mishna Brurah O.C. 328:63, Aruch Hashulchan 113:50, Kaf Hachaim 95, see Gilyon Maharsha 113, Mishna Brurah 328:63, Shevet Ha’Levi 9:162:16. Refer to Shevet Ha’Levi 6:108:8, Kashrus 2:pages 237-238. </ref> This is common if a non-Jew used a crock-pot to cook food.<ref>Kitzur Hilchos [[Bishul]] Akum (Berger) page 46:70. </ref>

# Most poskim are of the opinion that [[bishul]] akum is botel b'rov (majority)<ref>Toras Chatos 75:9, Shach 112:23, 113:21, Be’er Heitiv 18, Shiurei Beracha 113:10, Chochmas Adom 66:11, Aruch Hashulchan 53, Darchei Teshuva 90, Kaf Hachaim 91, see Mishna Brurah 328:63. Refer to Darchei Teshuva 113:91 if one is permitted to be mevatel [[bishul]] akum with his hands. Refer to Yeshoshua Yaakov Y.D. 113:3 in depth why one is permitted to mix a [[bishul]] akum food with a non-[[bishul]] akum food.</ref> while some maintain you need shishim (60 times).<ref>Refer to Hagalas Keilim 10:footnote 11, Chelkes Binyomin 113:136. </ref>

# If food which is edible raw is mixed<ref>There is no concern of being mevatel an issur here (Darchei Teshuva 113:18). </ref> with food that is not edible raw, the mixture is not subject to the halachos of [[bishul]] akum if most of the ingredients are food which can be eaten raw.<ref>Ritvah Meseches Avodah Zarah 38a, Shulchan Aruch 113:2, Toras Chatos 75:12, Levush 15, Chochmas Adom 66:6, Aruch Hashulchan 14. See Mishna Brurah 203:11. Some say this is only permitted if the food which is not edible raw is not recognizable in the mixture (Darchei Teshuva 113:22, see Kaf Hachaim 17). Refer to Meseches Beitzah 16a-16b, Avodah Zarah 38a, Rashi Meseches Beitzah 16a “asirei,” Avodah Zarah 38a “ku mashma lon”,  Ran page 15.  Refer to [[Bishul]] Yisroel pages 330-333.</ref> Some permit even if it is half and half<ref>Aruch Hashulchan 14, Darchei Teshuva 19. Some say if the five grains are mixed in they are the main ingredient in this regard as well as in hilchos berochos (Darchei Teshuva 113:20, Chelkes Binyomin 113:21, see Hamesivta 5754:pages 88-89 where he asks on the Aruch Hashulchan). </ref> (this will be discussed in a later issue). Some say that the five grains are considered the main ingredient as is the case in hilchos [[berachos]].