Question:
Kvod HaRav,
I am writing to respectfully seek your halachic guidance regarding a personal and delicate matter.
I converted to Judaism approximately 20 years ago. I lived in Israel throughout those years, where I built my life and raised a family of six children. Following a recent divorce and significant financial difficulties (including accumulated debts), I have returned to France and am temporarily living with my parents, who are not Jewish. This arrangement is helping me regain some financial stability.
I make every effort to maintain a strict standard of kashrut: I have my own utensils and consume only kosher food.
However, a difficulty has arisen regarding bishul akum. My parents are not opposed to my observance, but they have grown increasingly frustrated with having to call me each time to turn on the induction cooktop or the oven before any cooking can take place. This has led to ongoing tension and frequent disputes within the household.
In this context, I would like to ask the following:
Is there any possible heter (leniency) that could apply in this situation, taking into account the following factors:
- They are my parents, which would seem to remove concerns of intermarriage or social assimilation.
- The cooking is done on an induction cooktop, without a traditional “open flame.”
- The situation is causing significant tension and affecting shalom bayit.
- This is a temporary situation due to difficult circumstances.
I sincerely wish to remain faithful to halacha while preserving family harmony, and I would be very grateful for any guidance or sources you could provide.
Thank you very much for your time and assistance.
With respect
Answer:
Hello,
This is a complex and delicate situation. However, I must admit I don’t fully understand what’s going on here. It seems like your mother is cooking meals for you in her pots, which is problematic because those pots are not kosher. I need some clarification on that.
Assuming you have your own kosher pots and your mother is simply preparing kosher ingredients for you, using an induction stovetop can be tricky. First, because you have to turn it on, and second, because the “fire” and heat only activate when a pot is placed on the stove, unlike electric or gas stoves where you can turn on the heat in advance.
I suggest you consider buying an electric burner that you can turn on and leave at a low setting. This way, you have the heter of generating some heat without needing to turn on the stove repeatedly.
I hope this suggestion is helpful. If not, please let me know.
Best wishes
