Torah

Question: Is there a prohibition of Bishul Akum if an akum heats up food in a microwave oven?

Short Answer: There is no prohibition of Bishul Akum when an akum reheats previously cooked food in a microwave. There is a dispute amongst the contemporary poskim whether there is a prohibition of Bishul Akum when an akum cooks uncooked food in a microwave; but many are lenient, especially in a b’dieved situation.

Question: Is there a prohibition of Bishul Akum on potatoes, French fries, and potato chips that are cooked by an akum?

Short Answer: Many poskim rule that potatoes are subject to Bishul Akum, while French fries and potato chips are tougher calls. The OU’s position is that French fries and potato chips are not subject to Bishul Akum.

Question: Is it permissible for a Sefardi to eat in an Ashkenazi home or restaurant that relies on certain leniencies with respect to bishul akum?

Question: Is there a prohibition of Bishul Akum on milk that was pasteurized by an akum?

Short Answer: Many contemporary poskim rule that there is no prohibition of Bishul Akum on pasteurized milk.

Question: Is there a prohibition of Bishul Akum where an akum places food in an oven that was turned on by a Jew a few hours earlier?

Short Answer: Yes, there is still a prohibition of Bishul Akum unless the Jew turned on the fire shortly before the food is cooked by the akum.

Question: Does a person violate Bishul Akum on a food that he eats raw but the general population does not normally eat raw?

Short Answer: According to most poskim, Bishul Akum is based on the general populace’s eating preferences, and thus, the person would violate Bishul Akum. This has practical ramifications for sushi.