Oven Lit by a Jew Who Does Not Observe Shabbat
Question
Hi,
I’d like to know if I’m allowed to eat food that was baked in an oven that was turned on by a Jew who doesn’t observe Shabbos.
Answer
Shalom UvRacha,
A Jew who publicly desecrates Shabbos is considered like a non-Jew with regard to the prohibition of bishul akum (food cooked by a non-Jew).
Therefore, if such a person both lit the fire and placed the food in the oven, the food is forbidden to eat.
If that person lit the fire, but a Shabbos-observant Jew placed the food in the oven, the food is permitted Le'chatchillah.
If a Shabbos-observant Jew lit the fire, and the non-observant Jew later placed the food in the oven, then according to the Beis Yosef, the food is forbidden; but according to Ashkenazi custom, it is permitted.
Source
Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah, Siman 113, Se'if 7
