Q&A: Popcorn at a Movie Theater
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Popcorn at a Movie Theater
Question
Hello Rabbi,
Is it permitted to buy popcorn without a kosher certificate from a movie theater that is open on the Sabbath?
Is there any educational problem with this, or a problem of buying from heretics (who publicly desecrate the Sabbath)?
Answer
I don't know whether there is a kashrut problem with popcorn (perhaps tithes and priestly gifts?). Beyond that, I don't think there is a halakhic problem. As for an educational problem, you should think for yourself whether it is educationally harmful to you or not.
A. With popcorn (including at a movie theater) there can be a kashrut problem of insects.
In addition, there may be a kashrut problem with the machine used to prepare the popcorn, since the machine may also be used by its owner for things that are not kosher.
Therefore one buys only in places with a kosher certificate.
B. If someone spat on your father or cursed him, you wouldn't buy from him. Therefore one does not buy from someone who desecrates the Sabbath.