Daily Halacha Thursday 15th Marcheshvan: May one open cans of food on Shabbos [Canned tuna; sardines; corn; chickpea; tomato sauce; canned fruit, etc.]?

Cans – May one open cans of food on Shabbos [Canned tuna; sardines; corn; chickpea; tomato sauce; canned fruit, etc.]?[1]

In countless Jewish homes on Shabbos, the scene is familiar: someone reaches for a can of tuna, corn, or chickpeas, only to realize it wasn’t opened before Shabbos began. Suddenly, a simple kitchen task becomes a Halachic dilemma—can the can be opened, and if so, how? This everyday scenario highlights a fascinating debate among Halachic authorities. Some families, especially those following the Chazon Ish, as well as many who follow the Alter Rebbe, are stringent and avoid opening cans entirely, while others permit it if done destructively or even normally, depending on intent and custom. The diversity of practice reflects deep-rooted differences in how the laws of Tikkun Keli (making a vessel) and Soser (destroying a vessel) are understood.

In this article, we’ll explore the real-life implications of these opinions: what the lenient rely on, what the stringent base their caution on, and what practical steps are recommended—especially for those following Chabad tradition. Whether you’re hosting a Shabbos meal or just want to understand the Halachic landscape, this guide will clarify the issues and help you navigate this common Shabbos question.

1. The Halachic issues involved:

The question of whether one may open cans of food on Shabbos (such as canned tuna, sardines, corn, chickpeas, tomato sauce, canned fruit, etc.) involves complex Halachic considerations. The main issues revolve around two prohibitions: Tikkun Keli (creating or repairing a vessel) and Soser (destroying a vessel). The debate among Halachic authorities (Poskim) centers on whether opening a can constitutes making a vessel, destroying a vessel, or is permitted under certain conditions. Does the act of opening the can consist of the prohibition of Tikkun Keli being that one is making a hole in the vessel and making the once closed vessel now fit for a use, as explained in our corresponding Sefer “The Shabbos Kitchen” Chapter 9 in Halacha 1A? On the other hand, perhaps it does not transgress the Tikkun Keli prohibition being that one has no intent to turn it into a vessel and is simply trying to retrieve the food from it, as explained there in Halacha 1E that one may break through a vessel to retrieve its food. Nonetheless, even if due to the above reason it does not touch upon the Tikkun Keli prohibition, perhaps it transgresses the destroying prohibition, being that cans are made of metal and are considered a sturdy vessel, and it is forbidden to destroy sturdy vessels on Shabbos, as explained in Halacha 1E. On the other hand, perhaps it does not transgress even the destroying prohibition, being that a can is not made to last, and is similar to a woven baskets which may be broken on Shabbos in order to retrieve their food. Practically, these matters are debated amongst the Poskim, and its Halachic status depends on the intended use of the can, and if one plans to use it in the future versus throwing it out, and as well as depends on the way it is opened.

1. The cases forbidden according to all-Plans to reuse can, or make a nice hole:

The law if one plans to reuse the can:[2] If one plans to reuse the can after its content is consumed, such as to use as a permanent container, then according to all opinions it is forbidden to open the can on Shabbos [even through a gentile] due to the prohibition of Tikkun Keli, as explained in Halacha 1A.

The law if one plans to make a nice opening:[3] If one intends to make a nice opening in the can, then according to all opinions it is forbidden to open it on Shabbos [even through a gentile] due to the prohibition of Tikkun Keli, as explained in Halacha 1A.

1. The case under debate-The law if one plans to discard the can:

The case that is debated amongst the Poskim as to whether it is allowed, is in the common case example today were one plans to discard the can as soon as its content is removed.

The sides of the debate:[4] The debate surrounds whether we consider a closed can as a vessel, and hence its opening on Shabbos touches only upon the question of whether opening it transgresses the destroying of a vessel prohibition. Or, whether a closed can is not considered a vessel at all until it is opened, and hence opening it on Shabbos consists of the prohibition of Tikkun Keli. Practically, we find three opinions in this matter amongst today’s Poskim:

The stringent approach-Never allowed: Some Poskim[5] rule that it is completely forbidden to open cans on Shabbos in any way or fashion, even if one destroys the can in the process and immediately removes its content and discards the can into the garbage.[6]

The middle approach-Open in a destructive manner: Many Poskim[7] rule it is permitted to open cans on Shabbos if one opens it in an apparent destructive form, avoiding making a nice opening, and does not reuse the can after its content has been consumed.[8] [However, even according to their opinion, there is no need to immediately remove all the content and throw out the can.[9]] 

Lenient-Opening is allowed: Some Poskim[10] rule that cans may be opened in an even non-destructive form, so long as one does not make a nice opening and does not plan to reuse the can after its content is finished.[11]

Final ruling: Practically, every individual should make sure to open all their cans before Shabbos. If one forgot to do so, then he should try to do without opening the can on Shabbos. If this is difficult, such as if he is short of food, then he may be lenient to ask a gentile to open the can for him. If a Gentile is unavailable, then those who are lenient to open it, have upon whom to rely. Nonetheless, those who follow the rulings of Admur are to be stringent and not open it.

1. Summary & Final Directives

• If one plans to reuse the can (as a permanent container): Opening is forbidden by all opinions due to Tikkun Keli.
• If one intends to make a nice opening (a clean, reusable hole): Opening is forbidden by all opinions due to Tikkun Keli.
• If one plans to discard the can after removing its contents: This case is debated among Poskim:
  • Stringent Approach: Never allowed, even if the can is destroyed and discarded immediately.
  • Middle Approach: Permitted if opened in a destructive manner (not making a nice opening) and not reused.
  • Lenient Approach: Permitted even in a non-destructive form, provided no nice opening is made and the can is not reused.

Practical Guidance: Ideally, all cans should be opened before Shabbos. If forgotten, one should avoid opening on Shabbos. If necessary (e.g., lack of food), it is preferable to ask a gentile to open the can. If no gentile is available, those who are lenient have authorities to rely on, but followers of Admur should be stringent.

Examples

• Canned Tuna, Sardines, Corn, Chickpeas, Tomato Sauce, Canned Fruit: All these are subject to the same Halachic debate as outlined above.
• Easy Open Lid: Most Poskim forbid opening cans with easy open lids, even for those generally lenient, as this creates a nice opening. Some permit opening halfway or on the opposite side. A minority permit opening such lids if there is no intent to create a nice opening.
• Soda Cans: Forbidden to open regularly through the cap (creates a nice hole). Permitted according to lenient approach to cut through the can destructively or open the cap halfway.

Table: Halachic Opinions on Opening Cans on Shabbos

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[1] See Admur 314:1-3, 18; Tehila Ledavid 314:12; Chazon Ish 51:11; Ketzos Hashulchan 119 footnote 7; Az Nidbaru 11:12; Koveitz Habracha 8; Piskeiy Teshuvos 313:1

[2] Ketzos Hashulchan 119 footnote 7; Upashut, as this is the classic case of making a hole in an item and intending to use it which is forbidden, as explained in Halacha 1A and Admur 314:2.

[3] Admur 314:1

[4] According to the Chazon Ish 51:11 there is no destroying prohibition involved in opening cans on Shabbos, as a closed item is not considered a vessel. However, he prohibits doing so due to “Tikkun Keli”, as by opening the can he now turns it into a vessel. Others however [Ketzos Hashulchan ibid] learn that the closed can has a vessel status and opening it is a question of the destroying prohibition, being that cans are considered strong and sturdy vessels.

[5] Implication of Admur 314:18 who writes “weak structure” in his allowance for breaking through wicker baskets; Tehila Ledavid 314:12; Chazon Ish 51:11, as understood by Az Nidbaru 11:12; Rav Zalman Shimon Dworkon in Koveitz Zalman Shimon p. 63; Rav Farkash in Koveitz Habracha 8

Background of ruling of Chazon Ish: The Chazon Ish states that it is forbidden to open cans due to that one is making a hole in a vessel which one plans on using [which is Rabbinically forbidden due to Tikkun Keli]. Furthermore, he adds even if one intends to throw out the can it should be forbidden as we have only found the allowance to break an item which already has an opening. However, a completely closed item, giving it any opening, even to remove its content and throw out the vessel, is considered a nice opening and forbidden due to Tikkun Keli. The Az Nidbaru thus understands the Chazon Ish that it is never permitted even when done in a way which destroys the item. However see next footnote that SSH”K learns that even according to the Chazon Ish when opened in a destructive fashion there is no problem of either form of Tikkun Keli.

Opinion of Rav Dworkin and Harav Farkash: Rav Farkash notes in Koveitz Habracha 8 that it is very difficult to allow opening cans on Shabbos in any way although those who are lenient like the Shiyuirei Kneses Hagedola and Ketzos Hashulchan have upon whom to rely. His reason of stringency is because the cans are considered a complete and sturdy vessel even when closed [as learns Ketzos Hashulchan ibid] and thus destroying them is forbidden. This is based on the Tehila Ledavid 314:12 who explains in the M”A that the allowance to destroy the vessel of figs is because the vessel itself is made of unsturdy material. If however it is made of sturdy material, then destroying it is forbidden. Rav Zalman Shimon Dworkon, the noted previous Rav of Crown Heights records [Koveitz Zalman Shimon p. 63] that majority of Poskim [Tehila Ledavid; Chazon Ish] forbid opening cans on Shabbos due to that opening it turns it into a vessel.

[6] The reason: This is due to one of two reasons: 1) As the moment he makes the first opening of the can, he has deemed it a vessel. The fact that he later destroys it does not change this fact. 2) As destroying a complete and sturdy vessel is forbidden.

[7] Understanding of some in Chazon Ish ibid; Or Letziyon 24; Minchas Yitzchak 1:77; 6:27; Chelkas Yaakov 3:8; Cheishev Haeifod 3:118; Lehoros Nasan 3:16; 7:19; Igros Moshe 4:78; SSH”K 9:3 which says that this is true even in accordance with the Chazon Ish [the stringent opinion]! Beir Moshe 3:89 in cases that one is accustomed to reuse the can.

^[8] The reason: As this opinion learns that a closed can is not considered a vessel as it was never manufactured to serve as a vessel but rather just to preserve the food that is in it, which is allowed to be destroyed on Shabbos as explained 314:18. Now, the reason why it may only be opened destructive manner is in order to avoid the prohibition of Tikkun Keli and to avoid the tearing prohibition, which applies when done in a non-destructive form. [Minchas Yitzchak ibid] However according to Admur 340, by a single entity there is no tearing prohibition that would apply.

[9] Ketzos Hashulchan ibid; Beir Moshe ibid

[10] Ketzos Hashulchan 119 footnote 7; Rav SZ”A in SSH”K 9 footnote 10; SSH”K 9:3 in their lenient opinion; Beir Moshe ibid regarding cans that are not commonly reused. He only requires the destructive form by opening items that are at times reused. Nevertheless, he himself writes that it is best to do so in a destructive form even by cans that are not reused.

Opinion of the Ketzos Hashulchan: The Ketzos Hashulchan ibid writes that the custom of the world is to be lenient and allow opening cans on Shabbos. He first suggests the reason for allowance being that the can is meant to be opened at any moment and it is hence similar to the plaster covering of an oven which may also be broken on Shabbos. He however asks on this and concludes that if people would throw out the can after its content became finished, it would be permitted to open it on Shabbos.

[11] The reason: This opinion learns that closed cans are considered vessels and hence there is no prohibition of Tikkun Keli involved in opening it, being that one’s intent is to retrieve the food that is in it and not to make a hole in it. There is likewise no prohibition of destruction involved in opening it being that it is not considered a vessel that is meant to last.

[12] Chazon ish ibid

[13] Tehila Ledavid ibid

[14] As rules Admur in 314:17

[15] Piskeiy Teshuvos 314 footnote 3; See Or Letziyon 1:26; 2:27-6

[16] One certainly intends here to make a nice hole as he desires to open the cap fully rather than halfway and hence receive the nice opening that the company originally formed on the can.

[17] Vetzaruch Iyun how this hole is any different than the hole created in a can that is opened with a can opener?

[18] Rav SZ”A in new SSH”K 9 footnote 11

[19] Piskeiy Teshuvos 313 footnote 1; Oar Letziyon 1:26; 2:27-6

Other opinions: Some argue that there is no prohibition to open such cans on Shabbos as there is no intent to make a nice hole, but simply to protect one’s lips from getting cut. [Rav SZ”A in SSH”K 9:3 footnote 11]

[20] One certainly intends here to make a nice hole as he desires to open the cap fully rather than halfway and hence receive the nice opening that the company originally formed on the can.