Volume 15 - RJJ Journal of Halacha and ... - YU Torah Online

THE JOURNAL OF HALACHAconsiders canned fish permissible for the second reason alone andomits the first reason. However, his discussion applies only tosardines, for he was told by experts knowledgeable in the methods ofprocessing sardines that prior to their being cooked in cans they aresteamed, cooking them slighty until they are fit to be eaten. Thus theyare not included in the edict of Bishul Akum, for they were alreadyrendered fit for consumption by the steaming process, prior to beingcooked in the cans. But tuna, which is cooked in cans in hot waterwithout any prior steaming, according to him may not be eaten. I 'However, other rabbis dissenl'6 and do permit the use of canned tuna;the rationale is not that in factory production the customer nevermeets the cook, but rather that steaming is considered equivalent tosmoking.Apparently the cooking process varies from place to place.Reliable mashgichim (Kashrut supervisors) report that the tuna soldhere in America is already edible after the first steaming. Relianceon this rationale is a basis for being lenient concerning this ban.l'14. Responsa Yubit:r Orner 5. Yoreh Oeuh 9.15. See Shevet Hlllevi 6, 108,6 who writes that currently the manner in whichsardines are processed has been changed.The-y are no longer salted prior to being prepued but Ire p];,.cedin cans containing oil and are steamed after the cans are se,led.shut. The steam causes the oil to boil and the sardines Ire thuscooked in the oil. Therefore, the sardines should be included inthe ban on Bishwl Akwm... Those who rule leniently rely on theprinciple stated in some sefllrim that the cooking done in afaCIQry where the food is thus being prepared for tens ofthousands of people is not included in the ban of bishwl Ilkwm,where the intent was to discourage intermarriage. However, Iheard directly from the Chuon ish, d. that we should bestringent in this maUer."16. See Beit Avi J,115.17. See te'lt of Yubiu Orne, J and Minchlll Yitzch..k 4,81. See also shabhllf 5lathat the law may be different for a "prominent person," Note the discussionsin shevtt Levi J, Minchlll Chinwch, sh..ch, (Ibid. 152). responsa Divrei Youf,Arwch Hushwlchun, and T0511fot to Sh"bb", 51; Chlllllm sofer ResponsaOr..ch Chuim 15.