The laws of Erasing

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here Chapter 3: The Laws of Erasing General rule: Whenever something is forbidden to be written on Shabbos, as explained in the previous chapter, it is likewise forbidden to be erased unless stated otherwise[1]. Refer to the previous chapter for […]

The laws of writing

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here Writing letters, symbols, marks, pictures  1. The Av Melacha[1] To write or erase with intent to write: One who writes[2], and erases in order to write in the erased area, has performed one of the primary Melachas. [This is […]

7. Cutting a knot

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here 7. Cutting a knot:[1] Cutting the sewing and knot of the tailor: Even if a collar had already been opened [after being made] but a professional [tailor] returned and sewed [the two sides of the collar] together in the […]

Tying a scarf or tichel

May one tie a scarf around his neck, or a tichel on ones hair? It is best to do so with a bow over a knot. However there are Poskim[1] which allow one to make even a double knot as long as the double knot is not tight. Other Poskim[2] […]

Practical Q&A

May one ask a gentile to untie a temporary knot in a time of need? Even if the knot is meant to last for more than 7 days, it is allowed to be done.[1] However it requires further analysis if this applies even according to Admur/Taz[2].   May one make […]

An amateur knot

When making an amateur knot must one have in mind to undo it within 24 hours?[1] If the knot is a type of knot which is at times opened within 24 hours, and certainly if it is meant to constantly be opened, then there is no need for one to […]

A professional knot

What is considered a professionally made knot?[1] Any strong knot which is tightly tied there is doubt that perhaps it is considered a professional knot. Double knots: Therefore [strong] double knots are forbidden to be tied or untied unless in a case of pain when made to not last 24 […]

Summary

Biblically: It is only Biblically prohibited to tie or untie a knot if: At the time of making it one plans to let the knot remain tied for as long as it can possibly last and does not plan to ever untie it.[1] According to some opinions there must also […]

6. Examples of Cases

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here 6. Examples of Cases: A. Untying the rope that secures a cover to its vessel:[1] Seals that are on vessels, such as a chest of drawers, box and portable tower which have their covering tied to them with a […]

5. To suck the juice out from fruits

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here 5. To suck the juice out from fruits:[1] First Opinion: The above however only applies to squeezing, however, to suck out the juice from the fruit with one’s mouth there are opinions[2] who allow one to do so even […]

4. A bow and single knot

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here 4. A bow knot and a single knot:[1] A bow made on top of a single knot:[2] The above only refers to [a double knot made of] two knots one of top of the other, however by one knot […]

3. Squeezing juice into food and liquid

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here 3. Squeezing juice into food and liquid: A. Squeezing ripe grapes into food [as opposed to liquid]:[1] Squeezing grapes directly into food: It is permitted to squeeze a cluster of grapes into a pot that contains food in order […]

0. Introduction to Tying and Untying

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here Introduction: The following chapter will discuss when and when not one may tie a knot on Shabbos. Doing so involves at times a Biblical prohibition, at others a Rabbinical prohibition, and at others is completely allowed. This is dependent […]

Removing wax or ink blotches

May one remove wax blotches [as well as other forms of blotches] from letters of a Sefer Torah and does it invalidate the Torah? First Opinion[1]: If there is wax [or other blotch] on a letter and the letter is not recognizable due to this then the sefer is invalid […]

Bar of Soap

Does washing ones hands with a bar of soap contain the smoothening prohibition [Mimacheik]?[1] Regarding the smoothening prohibition some Poskim[2] rule by soft soap it applies and thus would be forbidden to use according to all opinions. Others[3] hold that it only applies if there is a visible amount of […]

3. Smearing fat and oil

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here 3. Smearing fat and oil: Smearing oil:[1] It is permitted to smear [oil] [See “The Laws of Smearing Oil” regarding using scented oils] with ones hand over ones entire body for pleasure. [Thus, doing so does not contain the […]

1. The General Law

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here 1. The general law:[1] One who smears a poultice[2], which means that he smoothes and levels the grooves that are in it, as well as one who smears wax or tar and anything of the like which is a […]

Introduction to Shehiyah

In certain circumstances the Sages forbade leaving food on a fire from before Shabbos, out of fear that one may come to increase the flame on Shabbos in order to quicken the cooking of the food. The Rabbinical restriction only applies in specific scenarios. It depends on: The type of […]

Lice

Removing lice from skins:[1] One may not remove lice from the skins of fox and the like being that [in the process] one removes hair from the skin which contains the sheering prohibition, and although it is done unintentionally, nevertheless it is an inevitable occurrence [and is thus forbidden].   […]

Scabs

Removing scabs:[1] One may remove the scab of a wound [with ones hands[2]]. [However this may only be done if it will not cause blood to be extracted.[3]] Final stage of the wound: Even in the final stage of the wound, which is defined as when it has already healed […]

Using diapers with tape or velcro

May one use diapers on Shabbos which are fastened using a piece of tape or Velcro which is attached to the diaper? Velcro diapers:  May be used in all cases. Adhesive tape: This matter is disputed amongst Poskim in whether it is allowed. Some are stringent to prohibit using it […]

Blisters

Cutting off a blister:[1] It is forbidden to cut a blister from one’s body whether with ones hand [or teeth[2]] whether with a vessel, whether for himself whether for others, whether it is [filled with] puss [blister] whether it is dry. If one does cut a puss [filled] blister with […]

Putting on a bandaid

May one place a band-aid on a wound on Shabbos?[1] Doing so may involve the tearing prohibition when opening it and the sewing prohibition when applying it. Opening the band-aid: Some Poskim[2] rule that the band-aid must have its wrapping as well as its white plastic sheet which covers over […]

Brushing hair

Check out our Amazon Sefarim Shop WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Sponsor an Article Donate May one brush his/her hair on Shabbos?[1] Using a brush:[2] It is forbidden to brush [hair] with a brush on Shabbos, even with those [brushes] made of swine hair. The reason for this is because: it […]

The Tearing prohibition

Tearing sewed items and separating items that were glued together? See Volume 2 “The Laws of Cutting and Tearing items on Shabbos” for the full elaboration on this subject. Below [in the gray table] is a brief summary which relates to the tearing prohibition that corresponds to the sewing prohibition. […]

Styling hair

May one style their hair or undo the style on Shabbos?[1] It is forbidden for a woman to braid her hair on Shabbos, or to undo the braid. However she may split the hair[2] [through the middle having the hair on the right part of the head brushed to the […]

The Gluing prohibition

Gluing things together:[1] One who attaches papers or skins with glue of the scribes and the like is [doing] an offshoot of the sewing [prohibition] and is liable.   Summary: It is forbidden to glue items together on Shabbos.   Q&A May one use scotch tape on Shabbos to tape […]

Pulling a thread

Pulling a thread to tighten the connection between the parts of clothing:[1] A clothing which was sturdily sewed and its thread was left sticking out[2], and two parts of the clothing slightly split apart from each other with the threads of the sewing sticking out, then if one pulls the […]

Removing hair or nails

Removing one’s hair and nails:[1] The general rules: Cutting one’s hair or nails with a vessel: If one cuts his hair or nails with a vessel he is liable. By hair he is liable even if he only cuts two hairs. If he cut only one hair he is exempt […]

The Sewing prohibition

The Biblical prohibition-Sewing a stable set of stitches:[1] One who sews two stitches and [makes] a knot [at its end], or three stitches even if he does not make a knot [at its end] is liable [to bring a sin offering]. However [one who sews] two stitches and does not […]

Gozeiz-Shearing

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here The laws of Gozeiz-Shearing Removing hair, skin, and nails 1. The Av Melacha-Shearing wool from skin:[1] One who shears hair or wool from a living or dead animal, whether the animal is domestic or wild, or even [if he […]

Practical Q&A

May one read announcements placed on a bulletin board?[1] Those announcements which do not deal with matters of business, or mourning may be read.   May a list which one wrote before Shabbos be read on Shabbos?[2] [If they do not involve words of Torah] then they may not be […]

May one read a cookbook on Shabbos?

May one read a cookbook on Shabbos?[1] It is permitted to read it for mere enjoyment, as it is common for women to enjoy reading different ideas of recipes.[2] However it is forbidden to be read as a preparation for preparing a meal in the coming days.[3] ______________________________________ [1] Beir […]

May one read a newspaper on Shabbos?

May one read a newspaper on Shabbos?[1] Newspapers which contain matters relating to business, economy, and advertisements, are forbidden to be read, even with intent to read only the non-business related sections and articles, being that it is very difficult for one to prevent oneself from reading the other sections.[2] […]

Forbidden writings muktzah?

Are writings which are forbidden to be read on Shabbos Muktzah?[1] One is particular about the writing: Any writing which is forbidden for one to read on Shabbos, is [Muktzah Machmas Gufo and is hence] forbidden to be moved if it is of importance in one’s eyes, and he is […]

Reading Books on Shabbbos

A. History books and novels:[1] Similarly [history] books of wars (and the history of gentile kings) and parables and metaphors regarding mundane talk, such as the book Emanuel, and it goes without saying books of romance are forbidden to be read on Shabbos. Even to read them in one’s mind […]

Descriptions

Reading descriptions written under designs, portraits and paintings:[1] A wall or curtain which contains designs of different animals or sketches of people [portraying] historical events, such as the battle of David and Goliath, and it is written under [these portraits] “this is the figure of this animal” and “this is […]

Mail

Reading mail: A. Which letters are permitted for one to read?[1] Reading a letter from a friend: A [common] letter [of a friend or relative] inquiring ones wellbeing is forbidden to read [verbally], and even to read in one’s mind without verbalization [is forbidden] due to a decree [that one […]

Community Matters

Reading to the public, matters which pertain to the community:[1] Similarly that which is accustomed that the servant read the approbations or excommunications from writing is not to be forbidden due to that one may come to read layman documents, being that [the above writings] are for the need of […]

Mitzvah related

Reading Mitzvah related matters:[1] The prohibition against reading laymen documents, is itself only because of “Mimtzo Cheftzecha”, and the prohibition of Mimtzo Cheftzecha does not apply by the matter of a Mitzvah. As matters of heaven which are forbidden to be done on Shabbos are permitted to be spoken of, […]

3. Making salt water on Shabbos

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here 3. Making salt water on Shabbos:[1] A. For pickling foods:[2] It is forbidden to make heavy salt water [on Shabbos] or other heavily salted liquids[3] in order to place [these liquids] into pickled foods, meaning [to place them in] […]

Engraved Writings

Reading engraved writings:[1] Reading writing engraved on a board or pad: Even if the names [of the guests] are engraved on a board or pad and are not written, it is forbidden to be read, as perhaps they will mistakenly come to allow [reading] even laymen documents, as the board […]

2. The Rabbinical prohibition- Salting foods

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here 2. The Rabbinical prohibition- Salting foods: For a general summary see 2D! Although Biblically the prohibition of tanning does not apply to foods, nevertheless Rabbinically the prohibition of tanning applies food.[1] A. Salting raw meat [which is edible by […]

Guest list

Reading the guest list for one’s meal: The letter of the law:[1] Based on the above, one who invited guests and prepared for them delicacies and wrote before Shabbos the names of the guests which were invited so he not forget to call them on Shabbos, or he wrote the […]

Non-business related

Reading non-business related writings:[1] [In addition to the above decree against business documents] they decreed against reading any type of writing, even if it does not contain matters which are forbidden [to do on Shabbos]. Even to read it without verbalizing is forbidden. The reason for this is: due to […]

Introduction

The following chapter will deal with the laws of salting foods and items on Shabbos. Salting skins contains a prohibition of tanning. As an offshoot of this prohibition, some hold it was decreed as well not to pickle and salt food in certain ways. Others however hold that the decree […]

Business documents

Reading business documents and contracts:[1] Laymen documents, such as loan, business, collateral, and accounting documents, and the like of matters which are forbidden to be done on Shabbos, are forbidden to be read on Shabbos due to the decree of “Mimtzoe Cheftzecha”. Reading them in ones thought without verbalizing: Furthermore […]

Detached Vegetables

Watering detached vegetables:[1] Edible vegetables: It is permitted to water detached vegetables in order to prevent them from shriveling, as since these vegetables are fit to be eaten on Shabbos it is therefore allowed to water them just as it is [similarly] allowed to move them. Inedible vegetables: However if […]

Kernels

Placing kernels in water on Shabbos:[1] One who soaks wheat or barley and the like in water in order for it to grow is liable for the planting prohibition.[2] This applies even if one soaks only a single kernel. For this reason it is forbidden to place kernels in water […]

6. Illnesses which require a Doctors evaluation

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here 6. Illnesses which require a Doctors evaluation:[1] Introduction: All ailments which are not listed above [Halacha 4] as being life threatening require evaluation to determine their lethalness. The laws dealing with this evaluation and conflicting opinions will be discussed […]

Throwing seeds

Throwing seeds and pits onto the ground:[1] One is to beware from throwing seeds in an area where it rains[2] [or in an area that the earth is wet[3]] and can eventually cause the seed to grow. It is however permitted to throw them in an area that the seeds […]

Picking fruits

Picking fruits from a branch which has fallen:[1] One may pick fruits off from a branch which has fallen from before Shabbos [and has become completely detached from the tree[2]]. If the branch fell on Shabbos it remains forbidden to pick fruit from it. Picking leaves from a fallen branch:[3] […]

4. Which treatments may be done?

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here 4. Which treatments may be done? A. Must use a known treatment or one prescribed by a medical expert:[1] Even if there is a definite danger one may only transgress Shabbos for medical treatment that is known to all […]

Garden produce

Removing garden produce that is insulated within earth:[1] One who insulated vegetables or herbs within earth before Shabbos may remove them on Shabbos so long as they have not yet become rooted into the ground.[2] If the vegetable contains a leaf which is sticking out from the earth one may […]

Pod plants

Laws relating to Pod Plants: Removing growths or seeds from a pod plant: It is forbidden to uproot any seeds or growth from a pod plant even if the pod contains no breathing holes, and is placed in one’s attic.[1] Moving a pod plant from one place to another:[2] It […]

Uprooting

Uprooting plants and other growths from their source:[1] A. The general rule: One who uproots any plant growth from its source is liable for the prohibition of “uprooting an item from its source of growth”. One who uproots with an irregularity, such as using his teeth, is Biblically exempt, although […]

Watering

Watering plants and grass:[1] One who waters seeds[2] in order so they grow is liable for the plowing and planting prohibition.[3] Therefore it is forbidden to pour liquid over grass, plants, [trees[4]] and the like. May one wash his hands over grass, plants, or weeds? It is forbidden to wash […]

Fallen fruits

Fruits which fell off a tree:[1] All fruits which have fallen off a tree on Shabbos are forbidden to be eaten until after Shabbos[2] and are therefore Muktzah[3]. [Furthermore, even if there is doubt as to if the fruits fell on Shabbos or beforehand it is forbidden.[4]]   Q&A Are […]

Scenting branches and leaves

Scenting branches and leaves that are detached from the ground: [1] It is permitted to move scented branches and leaves [which have become detached from the ground before Shabbos].[2] One may even rub the branches and pluck off leaves [with his hands] in order to increase its scent.[3] [It is […]

Walking on grass

Walking on Grass:[1] It is permitted to walk on grass on Shabbos, even barefoot, despite the fact that doing so may cause certain blades of grass to rip from the ground.[2]   Q&A May one walk quickly on blades of grass? Some Poskim[3] rule it is forbidden to walk quickly […]

Using plants or grass

Making use of plants and grass on Shabbos:[1] It is permitted to make use of grass, plants, soft canes[2], weeds, vegetables[3] and any soft produce of the ground, even when they are still attached to the ground.[4] It is however forbidden to move any of the above items with one’s […]

Hammock and swing

May one lie on a hammock which is attached to a tree?[1] If the hammock is directly attached to the tree in an area that is above 10 Tefach from the ground the hammock is forbidden to be used in all cases.[2] If the hammock is not directly attached to […]

Tree in a pod

May one make use of a tree which grows in a pod?[1] If it is three Tefach tall, then one may not make use of it from three Tefach and above. Hence such a pod may not be moved even within one’s house, as doing so is considered making a […]

Tree house

May one climb into a tree house on Shabbos? No. If however the tree house is built in a way that it never makes direct contact with the tree, and is rather being supported by a second item which is supported by the tree, including the ladder[1], then it is […]

Using trees

Making use of trees on Shabbos:[1] The Sages decreed against making any use of a tree on Shabbos due to worry that if this were to be allowed one may come to climb the tree and remove fruits, leaves, or branches from it. This decree applies equally to all trees, […]

Noise to chase away animals

Making noise to chase away animals and birds:[1] One should[2] not chase away animals and birds from his orchard through clapping his hands together or against his thigh or by stamping his feet on the ground, if this is done in the normal way that it is done during the […]