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 […]

Clapping, dancing and snapping

Clapping, dancing and snapping one’s finger on Shabbos:[1] May one sing or whistle? [2] It is permitted to sing or make any form of musical notes with one’s mouth, such as whistling or imitating the playing of an instrument.[3] Clapping: One may not clap his hands against each other or […]

Toys

Are toys which are not designated specifically for noise or music making, but do so in the process of being used, considered Muktzah? Example: A toy train which makes sounds when moving. If the toys are battery operated they are MM”I. If they are mechanical, then if they make music […]

Instruments Muktzah?

Are instruments which are designated to make music or noise Muktzah on Shabbos? Designated for music:[1] Any item which is designated to make musical notes is MM”I on Shabbos, and hence may only be moved for their space or a permitted use, and not to save from damage. [If the […]

Examples of noise making items

Examples of noise making items that may not be used to intentionally make noise with on Shabbos: Bell Gragger; Ratchet Whistle Door Knocker Q&A May one ring bells or other instruments with an irregularity?[1] No.[2]   May a child play with toys that make music or noise? Some Poskim allow […]

Using an instrument or vessel

Making sounds, rhythms or music on Shabbos using an instrument or vessel:[1] Making sounds of music with an instrument: It is forbidden to make the sound of music, including a mere tune[2], on Shabbos, using any instrument or vessel, even if the instrument or vessel is not a musical instrument[3].[4] […]

18. The laws of Muktzah on Yom Tov

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here 18. The laws of Muktzah on Yom Tov:[1] A. The laws of Muktzah relevant on Yom Tov in contrast to Shabbos: It was already explained in the laws of Shabbos that the Muktzah prohibition applicable on Shabbos is only […]

17. The law of Nolad

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here 17. The law of Nolad: A. The stringent opinion by Nolad, its definition and the Final Ruling:[1] There are opinions which say that every Muktzah which is permitted on Shabbos is [likewise] permitted on Yom Tov, however all [items […]

13. The laws of a Basis

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here Introduction: This Halacha will discuss the laws of Muktzah items being moved in the process of moving non-Muktzah items. For example, may one move a non-Muktzah item which has a Muktzah item on top of it? This question is […]

10. Summary of the Muktzah categories

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here 10. Summary of the Muktzah categories:[1] Three categories of Muktzah by items which are vessels: [In conclusion of the above] we find that we have learned that there are three different categories of Muktzah by [items which have the […]

9. Muktzah Machmas Mitzvah

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here 9. Muktzah Machmas Mitzvah: Muktzah Machmas Mitzvah refers to a category of Muktzah in which its items have been set aside from being used by Bein Hashmashos due to their designation for a Mitzvah use.  The following are case […]

3. The General Rules Of Muktzah

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here 3. The general rules of Muktzah: A. May one move a Muktzah item using parts of his body other than his hands?[1] Moving in an irregular way: All Muktzah [items] are only forbidden to be moved in the regular […]

1. The Reasons behind the Muktzah Prohibition

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here 1. The reasons behind the Muktzah prohibition:[1] The Sages prohibited moving certain items on Shabbos in the way they are regularly moved during the weekday.[2] The following are the reasons recorded: The First reason- In order that one rest:[3] […]

0. Introduction to the Laws of Muktzah

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here Introduction: Our sages decreed that one may not move certain items on Shabbos in their usual way. This chapter will discuss the details of this restriction, with regards to which type of vessels the restriction applies, and what forms […]

Learning Torah immediately after

Learning Torah directly after Havdala:[1] It is a proper custom to begin one’s week with Torah learning and hence learn Torah immediately after Havdala. One who does so is assured to be successful in his Torah learning of that coming week.   May one recite Pesukim from Tanach on Motzei […]

An Avel

Havdala for an Avel: An Avel is obligated to recite Havdala or hear it from others. When an Avel recites Havdala he is to omit the verses of Hinei Kel Yeshuasi and rather begin from “Borei Peri Hagafen”.[1] The custom is for an Avel to recite the blessing over Besamim […]

The Nine days

Havdala during the nine days:[1] When saying Havdala during the nine days [Motzei Shabbos Chazon] one is to give the wine to a child to drink [whether male or female[2], although some rule only male[3]] which has reached the age of Chinuch [of blessings[4] although some say also Chinuch of […]

Obligation of children

Are children obligated in Havdala?[1] A child who has reached the age of understanding the concept of Shabbos is obligated to hear Havdala. [This is at approximately 5-6 years old.[2]] Repeating Havdala for a child:[3] One may repeat Havdala to fulfill the obligation of [male[4]] children[5] [that have reached the […]

Obligation of women

Are women obligated in Havdala?[1] Women are obligated to hear Havdala.[2] They can either fulfill their obligation through listening to the Havdala of another person, or through saying it themselves[3], just as is the law by men. Repeating Havdala for women: A person [whether man or woman] which has already […]

Traveling

Traveling on Motzei Shabbos:[1] One is to avoid flying from Israel on Motzei Shabbos being that the preparations for the flight are usually done by Jews on Shabbos. The same applies for flying Motzei Shabbos using El Al from any destination in the world.   [1] See Kfar Chabad 398 […]

Repeating for others

Being Yotzei others Havdala if one already heard Havdala:[1] If one already fulfilled his obligation of Havdala he may not repeat Havdala to fulfill the obligation for other adults, [unless they are unable to say the blessings themselves[2]]. One may however repeat the blessing of Havdala to fulfill the obligation […]

Krias Shema

Kerias Shema Sheal Hamita:[1] On Motzei Shabbos, Tachanun is omitted from Kerias Shema Sheal Hamita[2] when reciting it prior to midnight.[3] When reciting it past midnight Tachanun is recited. [1] Shaareiy Teshuvah 300/1; Shaareiy Halacha Uminhag 1/125 [2] Regarding reciting Yosheiv Beseiser in Kerias Shema Sheal Hamita on Motzei Shabbos, […]

Hearing in shul

Havdala in Shul:[1] It is accustomed to say Havdala in Shul over wine in order to be Yotzei those which do not have wine at home to say Havdala over. [If no one is being Yotzei with this Havdala, it is not to be recited.[2]] Who should drink the wine? […]

Not to get angry

Not to get angry on Motzei Shabbos:[1] One is to be extremely beware from strife and anger with his household on Motzei Shabbos as the Satan attempts at this time to stir friction between people, just as he does on Erev Shabbos. His motif for doing so is because after […]

Dealing with money

Giving charity and spending money on Motzei Shabbos:[1] It is our custom to avoid giving money or buy items on Motzei Shabbos, as doing so gives nurture to the Kelipas.[2] It is however permitted to distribute charity on Motzei Shabbos, as by doing so there is no better way to […]

Hearing Havdala from another person

Having in mind to be Yotzei: One who desires to fulfill his obligation through hearing someone else’s Havdala must have in mind to do so. The person saying Havdala must likewise have in mind to fulfill the obligation for the listeners.[1] If one heard Havdala without any particular intent[2] then […]

Removing shabbos clothes

When after Shabbos may one remove his Shabbos clothing?[1] It is proper to wear at least some of one’s Shabbos clothing until after Havdala on Motzei Shabbos. [Some however have the custom to not remove their Shabbos cloths until after eating Melaveh Malka.[2] Others only remove them prior to going […]

Meoreiy Haeish

A. General Laws: One is required to say a blessing of Borei[1] Meoreiy Haeish over a candle on every Motzei Shabbos, if he has a candle available.[2] Should the listeners say their own blessing: Those listening to Havdala are to fulfill their blessing with the person saying Havdala[3], and are […]

Folding talis

Folding ones Tallis:[1] One is to fold his Tallis on Motzei Shabbos[2] [immediately upon returning from Shul[3]]. [It is proper to personally fold one’s Tallis rather than give it to someone else to fold.[4] If one forgot to fold his Tallis immediately on Motzei Shabbos, then the next day prior […]

Besamim

The laws of Besamim:[1] A. General Laws:[2] The Sages accustomed[3] that one is to smell spices on every[4] Motzei Shabbos in order to comfort the soul which is saddened by the leave of the extra soul[5] which it received on Shabbos.[6] Motzei Yom Tov: [7] On Motzei Yom Tov however […]

Drawing Water

Drawing water:[1] Some are accustomed to draw water from wells and springs on Motzei Shabbos as a Segula for a cure for all their ailments.[2] [This is helpful for both physical and spiritual ailments and assists in one’s understanding of Torah.[3]]   Q&A How is one to fulfill the above […]

Sparks of Kabbala & Chassidus

The Seder of Melaveh Malka in accordance to the Kabalists:[1] After Havdala one is to say Hamotzi over two roles of bread, holding on to only one of them. Prior to the meal he is to recite the Psalm of Mizmor Ledavid Hashem Roiy and then say “This is the […]

Using beverages other than wine

Using wine over other beverages:[1] One is to say Havdala over wine even if he has other significant beverages available.[2] If one does not have wine at home but has at home other significant beverages, he is not required to purchase wine rather than use the other significant beverages. Nevertheless […]

The details of Melaveh Malka

A. The Mitzvah: [1] After Shabbos it is a Mitzvah Min Hamuvchar[2] to have a meal out of respect for Shabbos, to escort it with honor while it is leaving.[3] [This meal is cordially called “Melaveh Malka”.] Setting the table: One is to set his table with a tablecloth, and […]

Eliyahu Hanavi

Mentioning Eliyahu Hanavi on Motzei Shabbos:[1] It is accustomed to mention [the name of] Eliyahu Hanavi on Motzei Shabbos after Havdala[2] as a prayer that he should come and proclaim the redemption.[3]   Eliyahu Hanavi writes the merits of the Jewish people:[4] During the time of Motzei Shabbos, Eliyahu Hanavi […]

The cup of wine

Laws relating to the cup of wine:[1] The cup of wine used for Havdala follows all the laws which apply by a Kos Shel Bracha, such as by Kiddush and the cup used for Birchas Hamazon. The following is a summary of the applicable laws:[2] The cup is to be […]

The Customs

Customs related to Havdala: Standing:[1] It is accustomed to stand while saying Havdala.[2] Wearing Shabbos cloths:[3] It is proper to wear at least some of one’s Shabbos clothing until after Havdala on Motzei Shabbos. [See Halacha 27 for a full analysis on this subject] Looking at the cup of wine […]

Blessings recited

The blessings recited during Havdala:[1] The Sages required one to smell Besamim[2] and say a blessing over a candle on Motzei Shabbos. They organized these blessings to be said during Havdala after the blessing over wine, prior to the blessing of Hamavdil. Thus after the blessing over wine the blessing […]

Eating before

Eating before Havdala:[1] It is forbidden to eat, drink or even taste any amount of food or beverage prior to saying or hearing Havdala over wine or other valid beverages[2]. This however is with exception to water which is allowed to be drunk prior to Havdala.[3] [Nevertheless our custom is […]

The General laws

The Sages instituted that in addition to reciting Havdala in Shemoneh Esrei one must likewise recite Havdala over wine, if wine is available.[1] Is Havdala of a Biblical or Rabbinical origin?[2] Some Poskim[3] rule the words recited in Havdala are of Biblical origin. Others[4] rule it is of Rabbinical origin.[5] […]

The Greatness of Havdala

Pirkeiy Derebbe Eliezer       Shavuos 118b     Sayings of the Sages: Rav Tzadok stated:[1] Whoever does not say Havdala over wine on Motzei Shabbos or does not hear Havdala from others does not see a Siman Bracha. However one who does say Havdala over wine on Motzei […]

Vayehi Noam

Vayehi Noam:[1] The prayer of Vayehi Noam[2] is recited on Motzei Shabbos after Shemoneh Esrei of Maariv.[3] It is not recited when a Yom Tov falls out within the week as will be explained next. Omitting Vayehi Noam the Motzei Shabbos before a Yom Tov: [4] When Yom Tov or […]

The General laws

When to Daven Maariv:[1] It is accustomed to delay the Davening of Maariv [past the time of Tzeis Hakochavim[2]] in order to delay the leave of Shabbos. May one say Havdala and do Melacha prior to Maariv?[3] Once Shabbos has ended, which is when a row of three small stars […]

Doing Melacha on Motzei Shabbos prior to Maariv

Delaying Melacha until after Maariv:[1] In addition to waiting until three small consecutive stars are visible[2] and saying Havdalah in prayer or saying Baruch Hamavdil[3], every meticulous[4] person is to delay doing any [Biblical[5]] Melacha until the congregation has recited the Seder Kedusha [i.e. the entire paragraph of Veata Kadosh[6]] […]

Conclusion of Shabbos?

When is the conclusion of Shabbos and hence Melacha is permitted?[1] The conclusion of Shabbos which allows one to perform Melacha is dependent on three factors: The time of the night. Saying Havdala or Baruch Hamavdil. Conclusion of Maariv in Shul. Some are accustomed to further delay doing Melacha until […]

6. Shaking waste off from foods

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here 6. Shaking waste off from foods: Shaking off the thin peel from the grains:[1] If one had kernels which were removed from before Shabbos from their stalks and are still mixed with their chaff[2] they may not be sifted […]

3. Filtering insects from water

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here 3. Filtering insects from water:[1] Filtering it prior to drinking: Water which contains worms that are forbidden to be eaten, as explained in Yorah Deah chapter 84 [Halacha 1-3], is forbidden to be filtered even using a cloth, as […]

2. Filtering liquids with a cloth

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here 2. Filtering liquids with a cloth:[1] White liquids: It is forbidden to filter water or white wine[2] and the like [of other liquids], using a [non-designated- See Q&A 1] cloth, due to the whitening prohibition, being that soaking a […]