Rice Cookers: Shabbat and Yom Tov

Question

Hi

For reasons beyond my control, I will be home for yom tov this year. I am currently renting, and do not have access to a stove or oven, and do all my cooking in rice cookers. They are permanently on a keep warm setting when plugged in, and to cook, I push the button down and when the food is ready or when I lift up the pot insert, it automatically pushes the button back up, moving it back onto a lower heat setting. Am I allowed to use them on yom tov to cook or warm up my food?

I’ve never had this problem before, as I can keep everything on the keep warm setting over shabbat.

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Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    It sounds to me as if it is forbidden to use such a thing on Shabbat and on Yom Tov because your direct actions are changing the electrical heat settings.

    May I make an unsolicited suggestion? Perhaps you can contact a local Orthodox Rabbi (or Rabbis, if applicable) and tell them that you are by yourself for Shabbat and Yom Tov. I have no doubt that on hearing, that they will make sure that you have as many invitations for meals as your need. If that is not a viable option, then perhaps you can consider the possibility of investing in a crockpot (slow cooker). They are sold in all the Jewish hardware stores and they can used easily for preparing food for Shabbat and Yom Tov – and they are uncomplicated when it comes to opening and closing them, as they do not involve any forbidden actions.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team

  2. iilovetheeels
    September 1, 2021 at 4:32 am

    Thank you. I thought that might be the case,  I am in lockdown due to covid which is why I’ll be on my own. I will order a crock pot, that you for the suggestion.

  3. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team
    September 1, 2021 at 9:34 am

    Please accept my blessing that you have a complete and speedy recovery.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team