Questions tagged [melacha-creative-work]
Commonly refers to 39 categories of activity that are forbidden on Shabbos & yom tov.
5
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1answer
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Reason for a Chanukah Minhag
Are there any authorities who suggest that the reason for the Minhag for women to avoid Melacha (creative work) while the Chanukah candles are lit is because we are worried they may come to use the ...
2
votes
2answers
112 views
Inconsiderate gentile neighbor listening to loud music on Shabbat
Suppose an inconsiderate gentile neighbor were listening to music at a fairly high volume on Shabbat, to the point that you could hear it on your own property. Would one be permitted to:
A) directly ...
2
votes
1answer
56 views
Benefiting from forbidden work on Shabbat
On a recent Friday night, we were coming out of a house and the stairs to come down to the street were quite dark. When opening the gate between the end of the stairs and the street, I noticed a car ...
1
vote
1answer
124 views
Being in a photo on Shabbos
If someone is taking a picture on Shabbos on their phone or a digital camera - must one try not to be in the picture; does he violate anything if he specifically “photo bombs” the pic on Shabbat?
Does ...
1
vote
2answers
60 views
Contradiction in Rambam's laws of Talmud Torah and Shevet Levy (end of Shmitah)
Rambam Talmud Tora 3,5 writes (my bold):
"5 מי שנשאו ליבו לקיים מצוה זו כראוי לה, ולהיות מוכתר בכתרה של תורה - לא יסיח דעתו לדברים אחרים, ולא ישים על ליבו שיקנה תורה עם העושר והכבוד כאחד...
"7 ...
2
votes
1answer
94 views
Are you allowed to play basketball on Shabbos? Can a boy under 13?
And yes it is an enclosed area (has an eruv) and it is not leveled to the ground like soccer.
3
votes
1answer
66 views
May one marinate fish on Shabbat?
I was viewing O.C. 321 and there are a few halachot at the beginning that mentions that one cannot salt or put cabbage in vinegar on Shabbat because it is similar to cooking. My understanding of this ...
4
votes
2answers
85 views
Who is worried about affecting a refrigerator's thermostat on shabbat?
When one opens a refrigerator door, there are two classes of effects:
Immediate result - e.g. light going on, or in newer models a fan might start.
This class of effects can normally be fairly ...
7
votes
1answer
881 views
Automatic lights requiring more than one person on Shabbat
If there is a (entirely hypothetical) light which turns on automatically if there are at least two people nearby, is it forbidden to walk up to someone standing underneath it on Shabbat? And are you ...
10
votes
2answers
3k views
Why does my box of Matzah say “BOX SHOULD BE OPENED BEFORE SHABBOS AND YOM TOV”
I bought a box of Matzah this year, and noticed, on the top, the declaration:
"BOX SHOULD BE OPENED BEFORE SHABBOS AND YOM TOV"
Why? The box does have perforations, but could probably be opened ...
4
votes
0answers
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How do we determine what is inevitable enough to be a Psik Reisha?
Regarding a psik reisha, my earlier question focused on whether the resultant action is judged according to a standard, but I am also unclear about what determines the "inevitable" nature of the ...
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votes
3answers
144 views
Is one allowed to wear a tallit that has writing on the collar on Shabbat or Yom Tov?
Many of the large tallitot contain writing on the atarah ("collar"). Is one allowed to unfold or fold such a tallit on Shabbat or Yom Tov?
When unfolding, one is putting words together - is that a ...
6
votes
1answer
794 views
How do hotels set up for the 2nd Seder?
I had heard from several rabbanim that one is not allowed to prepare anything on the 1st day of Pesach for the 2nd day (hachanah). This includes Seder preparations.
I'm curious how they do this in ...
0
votes
1answer
32 views
Affliction and refraining from work
Leviticus 23 describes some commands in regards to Yom Kippur in which it teaches us to afflict ourselves (verse 27). Although I'm familiar with most of the commentaries which teach what this '...
2
votes
1answer
90 views
Is there an obligation to work when it is not Shabbat?
related
Must one "work" and "deserve" to observe Shabbat?
Why don't we have to work every non-Shabbos day?
Is there any source which explains that the phrase lo ta'aseh kol ...
2
votes
0answers
52 views
Shvus dshvus dshvus
I've heard that shvus dshvus dshvus (like asking a non jew to do a melacha (EDIT- drabbanun) with a shinui is permissible. Is that only bidieved or lichatchilah as well? Also is it a machlokes? ...
4
votes
1answer
78 views
Can the שנים שעשו recipe be doubled?
My kid asked: I understand that if two people complete a forbidden activity on Shabas by superfluously joining forces to do a task either could do alone, they don't get the punishment one of them ...
6
votes
0answers
69 views
Parole GPS monitor on Shabbos
Someone who was just released from jail. He is still serving parole and must wear a GPS monitor around his ankle.
1) Is the GPS monitor able to be worn on Shabbos? And if yes;
2) Is it allowed to be ...
4
votes
1answer
75 views
Is Zipping Something on Shabbos Tofer?
Assuming that it is okay to "zip up" articles of clothing on Shabbos (e.g. pants), is the act of zipping not considered Tofer at all, or is it just permitted because it lacks permanence?
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vote
0answers
53 views
Is one allowed to check their coat on Shabbat / Yom Tov?
I understand that one may not benefit from a Gentile's melacha on Shabbat if such work only benefits you (a Jew).
Many shuls hire a Gentile person to take your coats, etc. They tear a ticket and give ...
1
vote
0answers
70 views
Alphabet soup on Shabbat or Yom Tov?
May one at alphabet soup on Shabbat / Yom Tov?
Concerns:
Alphabet noodles possibly forming words - writing?
Eating letters - erasing? By comparison, I understand that if a cake has letters on it, ...
2
votes
1answer
165 views
Can I place cryptocurrency / stock buy or sell orders over Shabbos?
Is it Halachicly permissible to place buy or sell orders for a cryptocurrency / stock that might be matched on Shabbos?
Example: If someone places an order for Bitcoin at $10,000, the price might hit ...
4
votes
1answer
93 views
How much can you wipe your muddy shoes on a doormat on Shabbos?
I intend to ask this question in light of all Shabbos prohibitions, including carrying (insofar as deliberately removing something may bear, retroactively I guess, on its חשיבות), as well as dosh, ...
5
votes
2answers
117 views
Explain why the “kli sheini” rule works regarding Shabbat cooking
Please excuse my weak knowledge in this area. I find the cooking laws of Shabbat quite confusing and I'd like to get a simplified understanding of it, if possible.
Apparently, pouring hot water from ...
1
vote
1answer
65 views
Can one char / sear a frankfurter on Shabbat?
I'm trying to get a better understanding of the general rule that "there is no cooking of already cooked foods".
Let's say a frankfurter has already been cooked (via boiling, etc.) If one puts the ...
1
vote
0answers
42 views
Is the definition of “cooking” on Shabbat specific to applying heat energy?
In college, I recall an experiment where we boiled water by reducing the pressure in a flask that contained water until the water boiled. No heat was added.
Would this be considered a melacha of "...
2
votes
2answers
50 views
Can one disconnect an emergency lamp from power on shabbat?
This is an emergency torch. It is plugged on power and, in case the electricity stops, turns itself on automatically and runs on batteries for hours
If power falls on shabbat, can one
disconnect ...
1
vote
0answers
52 views
What's the heter to ask a non jew to fix a sukkah on yom tov
The Mishnah Berurah 637:1 says its forbidden to build a sukkah on yom tov or to fix the schach if it fell off. However, through a non jew יש להתיר, he says it's permissible.
Im curious what is the ...
1
vote
0answers
24 views
May one freeze food from the 1st to the 2nd day of Yom Tov?
This article says that one may make extra food on the first day of Yom Tov to be eaten on the 2nd day, as long as he tastes from each cooked dish on the day its cooked.
After tasting, does he have to ...
3
votes
1answer
49 views
May one cook extra foood on Yom Tov so that the left-overs will be for after Yom Tov?
My understanding of cooking on Yom Tov is that one may cook fresh food to be eaten that day. One may also cook extra food for the 2nd day of Yom Tov as long as he eats from each pot on the day he has ...
6
votes
2answers
183 views
Can one give a professional lecture on Sabbath?
Would it be okay to give a professional conference lecture on Sabbath? Someone told me it would be okay as long as the speaker doesn't touch the microphone or the slides computer, but that doesn't ...
6
votes
1answer
120 views
Are there any issues with blowing on your glasses to clean them on Shabbat?
Are there any issues with blowing on your glasses to clean e.g. dandruff off on shabbos? I was thinking that perhaps it is zoreh/winnowing - similar to blowing dust off old books?
In regards to zoreh ...
0
votes
1answer
90 views
What are the potential halachic problems eating in a vegan restaurant without hashgacha? [duplicate]
Suppose for this scenario that the restaurant is very strictly vegan (and in a region where veganism is truly understood), and there is no wine present. All dishes that the restaurant uses are ...
0
votes
1answer
71 views
How can one properly set the table on Shabbat?
If one has a pile of mixed flatware, how can one set the table on Shabbat without violating the melacha of borer? By selecting knives, spoons and forks from the pile, one is "selecting".
1
vote
1answer
219 views
Are you allowed to use a plunger to unclog a toilet on shabbos?
Are you allowed to use a plunger to unclog a toilet on shabbos?
4
votes
1answer
155 views
Holding a Helium Balloon on Shabbat
Inspired by Is one permitted to fly a kite on Shabbat?
That question asks about a situation where there is an eiruv. I assume that the concern is carrying the kite to the place where it will be flown ...
2
votes
0answers
61 views
Yom tov, showering and lights
I recently stumbled across a lighted showerhead at a store that purports to operate solely through water - without an external power source. The lights also change color with the temperature of the ...
5
votes
1answer
104 views
Are there any issues with cleaning glasses with microfibre cloth on Shabbas?
Are there any issues with cleaning eyeglasses with microfibre cloth on Shabbas? I'm assuming the microfibre cloth only and no cleaning spray.
I'm assuming the glasses are prescription glasses and the ...
4
votes
2answers
182 views
Beginner's Steps to Keeping Shabbos
I know some people who would like to start keeping shabbos but they don't know all the laws and they don't know where to start. already they do kabbolas shabbos and the friday night seudah with ...
3
votes
1answer
84 views
Melacha for people observing Yom Tov Sheni in Israel
Can a non-resident of Israel keeping 2 days or 1.5 days of yom tov benefit from melacha (forbidden-type labor) done for him by an Israeli on the second day?
4
votes
0answers
75 views
Donating Blood on Chol Hamo'ed
I was asked to donate platelets this week because the local blood center is looking specifically for my blood type. The only practical time for me is over chol hamo'ed (as I am off from work). I have ...
4
votes
0answers
86 views
Blowing Bubbles on Yom Tov
Is anything wrong with blowing bubbles on Yom Tov? Would it be different than blowing bubbles on Shabbos?
2
votes
0answers
40 views
Shabbos and Playfoam
Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:13 brings down that plaster, clay, wax, and the like may not be molded on shabbos. (footnote 36 quotes SA and says it's due to mimareach)
As far as I'm aware, a ...
6
votes
1answer
162 views
Parachute Men toys on Shabbat
Can children AND adults throw those little Parachute Men toys on Shabbat?
What about the "tangle free" ones that use mesh instead of strings (and therefore could not get knotted-up)?
This is not ...
4
votes
1answer
93 views
May one change a dying battery on a defibrilator on Shabbat?
A shul keeps a defibrilator in a closet. While passing the closet on Shabbat, someone hears the machine beeping. He opens the closet, and sees a warning light saying "low battery".
The shul has many ...
1
vote
0answers
62 views
May one use a “groovy” shtender on Shabbat or Yom Tov?
Years ago a saw a "shtender" (it's a small portable "riser" commonly used to prop the prayer book up while praying in shul. It has other uses, also.) that is constructed by sliding a piece of wood ...
2
votes
2answers
130 views
Why can we do some melachos for eating on Shabbos but not others?
I learned that certain melachos are permissible on Shabbos in the course of eating or for the purposes of eating. For example, the question of borer in light of "derech achilah"/"derech melacha" is ...
3
votes
2answers
231 views
May a woman wear a jeweled key pin on Shabbat in an area that has no eruv?
A story / question relayed to me by my sister in law...
One of her friends lived in an area that had no eruv. She had heard that men were allowed to wear key tie tacks on Shabbat as a way to "carry" ...
4
votes
1answer
63 views
Burning “pulver” on Simchas Torah?
The Chayei Adam writes that he's seen people burn "pulver" ["poolver"?] on Simchas Torah, and such a practice is totally halachically wrong and should be stopped. They may, however, leave a tube of ...
2
votes
1answer
155 views
Putting food into a cli sheini on Shabbos
We know that a food that is a "davar yavesh" (dry) that was already cooked (in a cli rishon) before Shabbos may be put into a pot of hot water (even a cli rishon -- so long that it is on the fire) on ...
