The Size Requirement of Dairy Bread

Q. Shulchan Aruch writes that it is permissible to bake a small amount of Milchig or Fleishig bread. What constitutes a small amount?

A. The Pri Megadim (Sifsei Daas 97:1) writes that size of a small amount is a matter of dispute between Shulchan Aruch and Rema. The wording of Shulchan Aruch implies that it is only considered a small amount if it will be completely consumed in one meal. However, the Rema in his sefer Toras Chatas, writes that a small amount is the quantity of bread that will be eaten in one day. Presumably, those of Sephardic descent will follow the opinion of the Shuchan Aruch, while individuals of Ashkenazic descent will follow the Rema. The Aruch Hashulchan (YD 97:4) notes that a small amount is proportional to the size of the family, and one may bake a small amount for each family member. If one baked more than a small amount, one cannot retain a small amount for consumption. Since the bread was not baked according to the Halacha, the entire batch is forbidden.

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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.