Commentary for Avodah Zarah 76:13
אמר רב ששת האי מישחא שליקא דארמאי אסור אמר רב ספרא למאי ניחוש לה אי משום איערובי מיסרא סרי אי משום בישולי עובדי כוכבים נאכל הוא כמו שהוא חי אי משום גיעולי עובדי כוכבים נותן טעם לפגם הוא ומותר
R. Sheshet said: The cooked oil of a Gentile is prohibited. R. Safra said: Why should we be concerned about it? If because of the possibility that he may have mixed in it [forbidden wine], the effect would be to turn it rancid! If it is on account of [the prohibition against] all things cooked by a non-Jew, it is something which is eatable in its raw state! If on account of the rule that vessels used by non-Jews must be scoured before they may be used by a Jew, it is an instance where a worsened flavour is imparted and it should therefore be permitted!
Daf Shevui to Avodah Zarah
R. Sheshet wants to prohibit oil cooked by a non-Jew, but R. Safra will have none of it. He rejects three potential reasons for why it should be prohibited. If there had been gentile wine in it, the wine would have ruined the oil.
If the concern is that it was cooked by a non-Jew, oil can be eaten without being cooked and therefore should be permitted.
And if the issue is that the vessels were previously used by a non-Jew, the taste would be a worsening taste, and therefore this too is not a reason to prohibit.
If the concern is that it was cooked by a non-Jew, oil can be eaten without being cooked and therefore should be permitted.
And if the issue is that the vessels were previously used by a non-Jew, the taste would be a worsening taste, and therefore this too is not a reason to prohibit.
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