Bishul Akum with Oatmeal?

Q. Is there a concern of bishul Akum with oatmeal that was cooked by a non-Jew?

A. The Gemara (Avoda Zara 38a) states that there are two major categories of foods that are exempt from bishul Akum: foods that are edible raw, and foods that are not “oleh al shulchan melachim” (would not be served on a king’s table). The Gemara states that either reason suffices, and porridge (cooked grain) is permitted, even if only one exclusion is present. It is not clear from the Gemara which exemption applies to oatmeal, and Rishonim differ on this matter. Rashba (38a) maintains that porridge is permitted because the grains are edible in a raw state. Although raw flour is not edible, porridge is made from larger pieces of grain which can be eaten. However, Tosfos (38a s.v. ikka) explains that porridge is permitted because it is not “oleh al shulchan melachim”, as it is a simple food that would not be served to an important guest. Although Tosfos would also agree that grains can be eaten raw, presumably he did not consider this adequate justification to exempt Bishul Akum. Perhaps this is because raw grain is not commonly eaten by most people. {The Gemara (Berachos 37a) uses the verb “koses” for one who eats raw grains. Rashi (Yoma 81a) writes that the word “koses” implies eating in an abnormal manner. Thus, we see that raw grains are not typically consumed.} In any event, there is clearly no restriction of bishul akum on cooked oatmeal.

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The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt"l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.