The Shulchan Aruch (O.C. 603:1) states that during the Aseres Yimei Teshuva, even those who are generally not stringent about only eating Pas Yisroel should do so, and avoid eating bread items baked by an aino Yehudi, known as Pas Palter.
Bread (or pas) is defined as baked goods that are made from the five primary grains: wheat, barley, oats, rye and spelt. All other grains are not considered pas. Cooked or fried items are also NOT considered “bread” items[1] for Pas Yisroel purposes.
It is important to note that if a Yehudi is involved in any part of the baking process (e.g., he only turned on the fire or oven or placed the food into the oven), that is enough to render any items subsequently baked to be considered Pas Yisroel. Just preparing the dough is not enough. Additionally, if an item is par-baked and needs further baking to be fully ready to eat, the finishing process is also sufficient to give that item Pas Yisroel status.
A POINT OF NOTE: Pas Yisroel has nothing to do with whether an item is Yoshon or not. Just because an item may be certified as Pas Yisroel does not mean it is also Yoshon.
The following charts should help you distinguish between items that are subject to the halachos of Pas Yisroel and those which are not.[2]
Pas Yisroel/Bread Items (subject to halachos of Pas Yisroel)
| Bagels |
| Breads and Breadcrumbs |
| Cakes |
| Cereals3 – The following are Pas Palter: Cinnamon Toast Crunch | Honey Grahams | Grape Nuts | Oatmeal Squares | Golden Grahams |
| Cookies |
| Crackers |
| Croissants |
| Flat Breads |
| Graham Crackers |
| Hors d’oeuvres – If baked. |
| Kichel |
| Knishes |
| Matzah |
| Muffins |
| Pancakes |
| Pastries |
| Pie Shells |
| Pretzels – Hard and Soft. |
| Pizza |
| Wraps/Tortilla |
| Waffles |
Non-Pas Yisroel Items (not subject to halachos of Pas Yisroel)
| Cereals: All Shehakol or Ha’adama cereals | Mezonos cereals that are flakes or made from rice | Cheerios | Granola Cereals | Life | Puffed Wheat | Oat Cluster Cereals |
| Donuts – When fried. If baked, they are considered Pas. |
| Granola |
| Granola Bars |
| Kishke |
| Kreplach |
| Licorice |
| Matzah Balls |
| Oatmeal – When cooked. |
| Panko Crumbs |
| Pasta |
[1] Although cooked grain items may very likely be subject to the prohibitions of Bishul Yisroel, which are far more stringent than Pas Yisroel. That discussion, however, is beyond the scope of this article. See https://www.star-k.org/articles/articles/1182/food-fit-for-a-king-reviewing-the-laws-of-bishul-akum-bishul-yisroel/
[2] For a full discussion of this topic, see https://www.star-k.org/articles/articles/1194/pas-or-pas-nisht-reviewing-the-laws-of-pas-akum/
3 These are some of the cereals that we are aware as being Pas. Other cereals (noted above) are generally not Pas items. New cereals, however, appear on the market all the time. Consumers can consult their rav or call STAR-K with questions about cereals not listed here.
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