Bishul Akum with a Foreign Caregiver
Question
How can one cook for a foreign caregiver, for the sake of a sick person, with regard to the issue of bishul akum?
Answer
Shalom and blessings.
As the question is written — “How can one cook for a foreign caregiver” — there is no question or issue here, because cooking for the needs of a non-Jew is permitted and is not included in the prohibition of “bishul akum.”
I assume that the question you intended to ask is: “How can a foreign caregiver cook for a sick person without there being a problem of bishul akum?” This matter has many halachic details, and I will answer generally and briefly:
1. According to the view of Maran, the author of the Shulchan Aruch, it is permitted for a non-Jew to cook if the Jew places the pot on the lit fire, since this is the main “act of cooking.” According to the Rema, there is a further leniency: it is sufficient for the Jew to light the fire, and then the non-Jew may place the food on the flame.
2. The prohibition of bishul akum applies only to food that is not eaten raw.
3. The prohibition of bishul akum applies only to important foods; however, simple and insignificant foods are permitted.
Source
Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De’ah, siman 113
