5

If food is in my hand, I would assume I'm not allowed to carry it. What about, though, if it's in my mouth? For example: chewing gum or sucking a candy.

Would those be permissible outside where there's no eiruv? And if not, why?

2 Answers 2

6

There is a Mishna in Shabbos that says: "[If someone takes out with] his mouth ... he is not liable".

Tosefos asks on that from a Mishna in Krisos which says: "One could eat one thing and be obligated four Chatases... R' Meir said 'if it was Shabbos and someone carried, he is obligated.'"

Tosphos answers that the difference is that food is customarily carried in the mouth while other objects are not (if one carries something in a not-normal way one did not violate Torah law).

So carrying food in the mouth is a biblical prohibition. Carrying anything else in the mouth is a Rabbinic prohibition. Either way it is forbidden.

4
  • Do you happen to know the reason for the Rabbinic prohibition?
    – yydl
    Oct 17, 2011 at 2:47
  • 2
    @yydl Carrying with a shinui is Rabbinicly prohibited the same way any other Shabbos violation done with a shinui is prohibited. Oct 17, 2011 at 2:49
  • But why is, say, carrying clothes or glasses not a shinui, and stuff in mouth, yes?
    – yydl
    Oct 17, 2011 at 2:59
  • 1
    @yydl clothes and glasses aren't being carried, but worn,therefore one is permitted to be worn even by rabbinic law. Oct 17, 2011 at 3:13
1

No, you cannot carry in your mouth either.

4
  • 1
    And if not, why not?
    – yydl
    Oct 17, 2011 at 2:07
  • @yydl: Well, "why not" would seem obvious: because it, too, is called "hotzaa". But a source (or argument) is necessary for that assertion!
    – msh210
    Oct 17, 2011 at 2:27
  • @yydl, the mishna in eiruvin says that even if you are walking around with a spittle in your mouth, you would be chayav. May 16, 2012 at 7:25
  • Shabbat 92a says yuo can carry in your mouth because it's not the customary way to carry. So, as noted in Shmuel's answer, maybe food is different, but your blanket statment contradicts that source so a further source would be helpful. Jan 3, 2013 at 15:43

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .