re.buffet table
Question
Dear Rabbi, I`m confused( again). I asked, Is eating from a buffet table in a non-kosher restaurant a bishul akum problem? Meaning that the food is already prepared. Thanks, Martin
Answer
Answered by Chaim Yisrael AbadiThere is no heter of B'dieved for Bishul akum. If a Gentile cooked it it is assur. CYA Many times on this site it stated that if you don`t meet or see the cook, it is no longer a bishul akum problem. In this case, buffet table, especially in a fancy hotel, there is no chance of seeing the cook. Indeed you are not even sure the cook isn`t Jewish. And as you are not ordering, but taking aleady prepared foods, the cooking utensils are assumed ain ben yomo. And a reputable place will tell you the exact ingredients. Where is this fundamentally different from buying a can of prepared food in a store? Now, I know I`m missing something, otherwise you would have said it was OK. But what, please.? Gratefully, Martin