Pas Yisroel - Pretzels

QUESTION: It was my understanding that since a bag of pretzels is a snack food, it is not considered to be “oleh al shulchan melachim” (it would not be served at a banquet). Do the halachos of Pas Yisroel therefore not apply to pretzels?

ANSWER: The Pri Megadim (Mishbetzos Zahav 112:3) writes that the halachos of Pas Yisroel apply to all types of bread, even those of inferior quality. The exception for food that would not be served at a banquet applies to the prohibition of bishul akum (cooked food) but not to Pas Yisroel. Presumably, since bread is a staple of every meal, all bread is considered important and was included in the gezeira regardless of its quality. Therefore, one who is careful to eat only Pas Yisroel should purchase Pas Yisroel pretzels as well.

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The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt"l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.