Rabbi Aharon Botbol Explains Permissible Carrying Without Eruv and Roasted Chestnuts by Non-Jews

Rabbi Aharon Botbol addressed two practical halachic questions in the latest issue of the Achvata newsletter. The first concerns carrying objects in public spaces abroad where no eruv exists. He explained that Torah law forbids carrying items from private to public domains or transferring them four cubits in a public domain. However, rabbinic authorities differ on the definition of a public domain, with some requiring a street width of 16 cubits and others requiring a street used by 600,000 people. In many foreign cities, streets are considered "karmelit" (rabbinic public domain), where carrying is rabbinically prohibited but leniencies apply in cases of need. For example, carrying a hotel room key can be permitted if it is attached to clothing like a belt buckle or carried in a modified manner. Similarly, lifting a crawling infant is allowed since the child "carries itself," and the prohibition is only rabbinic. However, carrying strollers or non-essential items remains forbidden.

The second question involved the permissibility of eating roasted chestnuts prepared by non-Jews, considering the prohibition of bishul akum (food cooked by non-Jews). Rabbi Botbol cited Maimonides and later authorities who ruled that bishul akum applies to cooking, baking, or roasting significant foods like chicken or potatoes. However, roasted nuts and similar snacks are exempt because they are not considered important foods that one would invite guests to eat. Although some contemporary nuts are regarded as delicacies, chestnuts do not fall into this category and are permitted even if roasted by a non-Jew.

The article was published in the Achvata newsletter distributed throughout Israel, with options to receive it via WhatsApp or email and to arrange synagogue distribution.