13. Inserting a tap into the hole of a barrel on Shabbos:

A hollow rod:[1] It is permitted to insert a hollow rod or other [forms of] taps into a [previously made hole that is in a] barrel, in order to remove wine from it, even if it had never before been placed in the barrel and one [thus] does not know at all whether [the tab] will fit the size of the hole of this barrel. We do not suspect that perhaps it will not fit into [the hole, being that the tab is too large] and one will [then come to] cut and grate down [the] circumference [of the tab] until it reaches the size [of the hole], and thus be liable for the cutting prohibition.

[Nevertheless, the above allowance is only to insert the tap semi-firmly, and only if the barrel does not hold 40 Seah.[2] It is However, forbidden to firmly insert the tap, or if the barrel holds 40 Seah to even semi-firmly insert the tap, due to the prohibition of Tikkun Keli. If, however, the tap is meant to be constantly inserted and removed it is allowed in all cases.[3]][4]

Inserting a myrtle leaf and drain pipe into the barrel:[5] However, it is forbidden to insert a myrtle leaf[6] into the hole of a barrel in order to prevent the wine from flowing onto the walls of the barrel, and rather have it flow on the leaf which has been folded to form something similar to a drainpipe, due to a decree that one may come to affix a drainpipe for his wine so that the wine flow into it and travel a distance.[7]

The reason this decree does not apply by a tap:[8] The reason that this decree was not made against inserting a hollow rod [into the barrel] is because the rod has no modification done to it [when coming to place it in the hole] and is rather just [simply] inserted into the hole [the way it is], therefore [the Sages] did not decree [against doing so] due to suspicion that one may come to do a modification to connect a drainpipe to his wine. However, by the leaf, in which a modification has been done to it being that he takes it and folds it like a drainpipe, since it appears like making a drainpipe the [Sages] decreed against it due to that one may come to attach an actual drainpipe to his wine. 

Another opinion regarding why it is forbidden to attach a leaf to help drain the wine:[9] However, there are opinions which say that also by a leaf there was no decree made [that one may come to affix] a drainpipe, but rather it was decreed [against] because the leaf may get damaged and one will then come to pluck another leaf from the detached[10] branch in order to place it into the hole of the barrel, and this removal [of the new leaf] is prohibited due to [the prohibition of] “fixing a vessel”. As any item which is altered on Shabbos, so it be fit to be used for a given purpose carries with it [the prohibition of] “fixing a vessel”.

The reason for why this is forbidden even if the leaf can be used for animal fodder:[11] See above Halacha 5

The practical ramifications of this opinion-It may be done if one has many leaves available:[12] According to this opinion that it is only prohibited to insert a leaf into the hole of the barrel because one may come to pluck off [another leaf], [the Sages] did not prohibit [doing so] in a scenario that one has many leaves which had been plucked from before Shabbos, as in this case there is no need to worry that that one may come to pluck a leaf [from a branch] as even if one or two [leaves] were to ruin he still has more and we do not suspect that perhaps all his leaves will ruin.

The Final Ruling: [13] By a dispute over a Rabbinical prohibition one may follow the lenient opinion.

______________________________________________________

[1] Admur 314:9; Michaber 314:5

[2] As by vessels that do not hold 40 seah it is only Rabbinically forbidden to enter items semi-firmly, and if it is not common to ever enter it firmly, then according to some opinions is permitted. [see Tehilah Ledavid ibid] Vetzaruch Iyun as why here is it not considered the common way to enter it firmly, and should hence be Rabbinically forbidden even when done not semi firmly?!!! Perhaps, however, this is because here it refers to a case that the tap is meant to be eventually removed, and hence has two leniencies involved.

[3] As rules Admur in 314:7

[4] The above addition is from Tehilah Ledavid 314:15-16 and is a forced conclusion based on the other rulings of Admur. See also M”B 314:20 that limits the allowance to if the tap is not strongly inserted.

[5] Admur 314:10; Michaber 314:5

^[6] The case here is discussing even a leaf which is not Muktzah, such as that it was plucked off the tree before Shabbos to be used to smell.

^[7] Meaning he may come to attach a pipe which will carry the wine to a further area.

[8] Admur 314:10; Michaber 314:5

[9] Admur 314:11; Rama 314:11; Rosh 22:8

^[10] Meaning we do not suspect that one will come to pluck a leaf from a tree, However, from a branch that had been previously cut off, we do suspect.

[11] Admur 314:11

[12] Admur 314:11

[13] Admur 314:11

^[14] Admur 314:9

^[15] Admur 314:10

[16] As by vessels that do not hold 40 seah it is only Rabbinically forbidden to enter items semi-firmly, and if it is not common to ever enter it firmly, then according to some opinions is permitted. [see Tehilah Ledavid ibid]

[17] As rules Admur in 314:7

[18] Above addition is from Tehilah Ledavid 314:15-16 and is a forced conclusion based on the other rulings of Admur. See also M”B 314:20 that limits the allowance to if the tap is not strongly inserted.

[19] Based on Tehila Ledavid ibid