Laws of Bishul (Cooking)

We continue to learn about the 39 melachot with a focus on the subject of bishul (cooking). "Cooking" is occurs (halachically) whenever a food item undergoes a qualitative change (inedible to edible) as a result of applying a heat source. Cooking soup, grilling a piece of chicken, and baking a raw potato are some examples of bishul in everyday life.

The subject of bishul is vast and deeply nuanced. For our 4th graders, the unit will highlight:

• Definition and application of bishul
• The difference between cooking vs. re-heating foods
• Variance between solids and liquids
• Degree to which something must be "cooked" to be liable for the prohibition

Students will leave the unit with a strong foundation of basic terms and concepts related to this highly complicated subject. They have done a wonderful job dissecting the topic and show great mastery of what they have learned so far!