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Rav Eliyahu Reingold, Rosh Kollel in the Yeshiva of Greater Washington, spent many years learning in the Telshe Yeshiva and Kollel where he was recognized as one of their foremost talmidim. He taught in the Telshe Mechina before coming to the Yeshiva of Greater Washington. He is a noted Baal Halacha and Baal Mussar, serving as a well-respected posek for the Yeshiva and community. Besides his responsibility in leading the Kollel, he delivers a high level shiur to advanced students, and provides many halacha shiurim throughout the year. His heartfelt weekly mussar shmuess in an inspiration to all.
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Bishul 56 - Liquifying Congealed Items (Klal 20 Siman 20) S0553
We are beginning siman 20. At the end of this siman, the Chayei Adam refers the learner to earlier in the Klal (s520-521), where he discussed the question of whether something which was congealed and will melt when heated is considered a davar yaveish or a davar lach. This is relevant for the question of bishul achar bishul, in that if it is a davar lach and has cooled down, there will be a concern of bishul achar bishul. In this siman, he will discuss other questions related to reheating a food.
The Chayei Adam writes that one can take a soup which congealed with a layer of fat on top of it and place it at a distance from the fire. It must be placed at enough of a distance that the food cannot reach yad soledes bo, so that there is no issue of bishul. Additionally, the distance serves as a reminder not to stoke the coals, to avoid the issue of shema yechateh.
Regarding liquefying the congealed fat, the Chayei Adam writes that it is muttar, assuming it is needed for Shabbos. To explain, the Gemara in Shabbos at the end of the fourth perek says that it is assur to actively melt snow or ice in order to create water. This issur only applies when one actively melts or breaks the item. Putting the item in a place where it will melt on its own accord, such as congealed fat near the fire or removing ice from the freezer, is muttar.
It is important to note that the opinion of Rabbeinu Baruch, quoted in the Rosh and Ran, is that even passively melting something is assur. The Ran paskens in accordance with Rabbeinu Baruch. The Ramban and majority of rishonim disagree with Rabbeinu Baruch, and the Shulchan Aruch paskens against him as well. The Rema writes that one should be machmir for the opinion of Rabbeinu Baruch, unless there is a need for Shabbos. The Mishnah Berurah points out that if one melted something and it was not for a Shabbos need, the liquid produced can still be used on Shabbos anyways.
Summary
It is muttar to melt a soup which has congealed fat on top of it, assuming it is at enough of a distance from the fire to avoid issues of bishul and shema yechateh. Melting the congealed fat would only be assur if it were melted actively by the person, but passively melting it is muttar. The Rema and following him the Chayei Adam only allow it if it’s needed for Shabbos.