Does a Shofar Require Genizah?
Question
I have been using a shofar for many years. Over time it developed a crack, and now it is no longer usable for the mitzvah. My question is: How should I discard it? Must it be placed in genizah, or may it be thrown into the trash?
Answer
A shofar is defined as a tashmishei mitzvah (an item used to perform a mitzvah), and from the letter of the law it does not require genizah. Therefore, it may be discarded, even in the trash. However, since it is forbidden to treat mitzvah items in a degrading or belittling manner, one should first place the shofar in a clean bag, and only then discard it.
Explanation
Halachah distinguishes between two categories of sacred items:
- Tashmishei kedushah – items that possess inherent sanctity, such as a Torah scroll, tefillin, mezuzot, or their coverings. These require genizah.
- Tashmishei mitzvah – items used to perform a mitzvah but which do not contain inherent sanctity.
A shofar falls into the second category. Although it is used to fulfill a Torah commandment, it does not acquire intrinsic kedushah, and therefore genizah is not required once it can no longer be used.
We find a clear parallel in the laws of Tzitzis in which we rule that a Tallis that had had all of its strings removed, may be discarded even in the garbage. Likewise, Tzitzis strings that are no longer attached to a Tallis do not require Geniza, and may be discarded wherever one chooses, although one who is stringent should not discard it in a repulsive area and a Baal Nefesh places the Tzitzis strings in Geniza or into a Sefer to use as a bookmark.
A similar ruling is found regarding s’chach used for a sukkah. While the s’chach is used for a mitzvah on Sukkos it has Biblical Hekdish status, nevertheless, after Sukkot it loses its mitzvah status and may be discarded. Nevertheless, it should not be treated disrespectfully, such as being trampled or thrown directly into filth.
The same principle applies to other mitzvah items, including:
- Chanukah candles
- Arba minim
All of these may be discarded after use, provided they are not treated in a degrading manner.
That said, one who chooses to place the shofar in genizah has what to rely upon. This is similar to the widespread custom to place tzitzit in genizah, even though strict halachah does not require it. Doing so reflects an added measure of respect for mitzvah objects.
Sources:
See Ginzei Kodesh 20:1; Piskeiy Teshuvos 21:2 footnote 42
See regarding Tzitzis: Admur 21:1; Michaber 21:1; Megillah 26b; M”B 21:13; See Kaf Hachaim 15:12 “One may remove Tzitzis from an old Tallis in order to discard the Tallis and place the Tzitzis in Geniza”; Piskeiy Teshuvos 21:1
See regarding Sechach: Admur 638:19; M”A 638:9; Taz 21:2; M”B 638:24; See Admur 21:2 regarding Tzitzis; Piskeiy Teshuvos 638:9
See regarding Daled Minim: See Michaber 664:8 “The Arava of the Lulav, although it is thrown…” thus implying it may be thrown out regularly. However see Machatzis Hashekel 21:1, M”B 21:6, and Kaf Hachaim 21:5 that one may not throw it in the garbage. See also Michaber ibid that nevertheless one is not to step on them. One must conclude that they may not be thrown in the garbage in a belittling manner, however, they may be placed into a separate bag out of respect for the Mitzvah and not have them lay together with all the other garbage. See Darkei Chaim Veshalom 793 that the Aravos may not be thrown in the garbage in a way of belittlement.a
