Bishul Akum #2

Last week we began our discussion on Bishul Akum. To review: the Rabbi's forbade eating any food that was cooked by a non-jew. This week we will discuss a few of the exceptions to the rule and in the following weeks discuss some important issues and potential violations that result from this rule. Again before the question of Bisul Akum is even asked we must be certain and know that the food and all preparation utensils are kosher before eating. When it comes to Bishul Akum there are two exceptions already mentioned in the Gemara. The Gemara in Avodah Zara writes that any food that can be eaten raw, when cooked by a non-jew is not forbidden. Since one can eat this food prior to cooking the Rabbis were not worried one would form a bond with the non-jewish chef. Some examples that of food eaten that use this exception are apple sauce, fruit cocktails, and canned vegetables. The second leniency mentioned in the Gemara is termed: " Aino Roy L'Shulchan Melachim"- literally translated as not fit for the table of kings. This exception is similar to the exception mentioned above in that the Rabbis were not afraid of a bond being created between a jew and his non-jewish chef when the chef was cooking simple, non-Chasuv food. Some examples of this leniency are potato chips, candy, and bagels. However we must ask the following question: since we do not have kings anymore, how do we establish what is "fit for their table" and what isn't? The Star-K generally assumes that whatever would be served at the White House State Dinner would be a problem of Bishul Akum. For example, when dealing with the question of potato chips Rav Moshe Heinemann, Chief Mashgiach of the Star K, was in contact with the head chef of the White House Dinner who when asked about serving potato chips replied "We would serve whatever the guest wants, however, we never served potato chips." That being said, there are many food items that do not fall into these two exceptions and in the coming weeks we will explore what if any leniency can we use to allow non-jews to cook such food. In an informal survey I found that a majority of kosher restaurants employ non-jewish chefs- shouldn't this be a problem of Bishul Akum? Stayed tuned next week. Same HalachaTime, Same HalachaChannel.