Saturday, April 6, 2013

Pas Yisrael and Jews who do not observe halachah

Hi,

The law of "Pas Yisrael" is a rabbinic requirement that Jews eat bread only if it was baked by a Jew. This is not about kashrut; this rule was instituted millenia ago in order to encourage meal-based socializing with other Jews, increasing the odds that Jews would marry other Jews.

Because the law is meant to encourage marriage to other Jews, all Jews are acceptable as bakers, even if they are not personally observant of mitzvot.

[As always, note my disclaimer at the top of this blog, regarding disagreement among halachic authorities.]

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Yoreh Deah 1:45)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

2 comments:

  1. Can we apply the same reasoning for the fun topic of Mevushal Wines? i.e. since the law was instituted to prevent inter-breeding of observant Jews and others, can we assume that a non-observant Jew who touches mevushal wine is of no concern, since we are still permitted to marry them?

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