| If a doll’s leg came
out is it permitted to reinsert? Based on what
we have learned in the previous sheets, namely that when parts are easily attached and
there is no reason to fear that one will invest extra efforts to glue or screw the parts
together, it is permitted to attach the parts to each other.
Accordingly it is permitted to attach a doll’s leg
that detached from the doll, because it slips in rather easily and there is no reason, or
real possibility, to fasten the detached limb in place. 1
However, this applies to reattaching a detached limb, but
attaching a limb for the first time is forbidden even if the limb slips in with ease. This
is learned from the Shulchan Aruch in simon 317 that permits the reinserting
of shoelaces but not the inserting for the first time, as that is considered Tikun
Manna – making a k’li,2 even though the shoelace threads
easily into the shoe. The same applies to a doll (or any toy that requires assembly for
the first time before playing with), and is therefore forbidden to assemble for the first
time on Shabbos. 3
Are children, or anyone for that
matter, permitted to build Lego on Shabbos?
Building Lego is broadly discussed by today’s poskim,
but we will currently present one line of thought.
Lego blocks are not similar to building blocks in the sense
that they are not intended to fuse together, nor are they intended to remain attached to
each other. The idea behind Lego is that the blocks can be assembled and dismantled at
whim, even though not always with ease. One also does not want the Lego blocks to adhere
to each other, because that will forfeit the whole idea behind them.
Accordingly it is permitted to build Lego on Shabbos, even
if one does not have in mind to dismantle the Lego on Shabbos, because it is not deemed as
Building even for a short while.
Therefore children need not be barred from playing Lego on
Shabbos. As for adults, it is more a matter of priorities and realizing the importance and
meaning of Shabbos. Shabbos is a time for spiritual perfection and coming closer to
Hashem, and playing with Lego etc can hardly be called doing that.
As mentioned, the Poskim debate building Lego
extensively and one should consult his rav as to whether one is permitted to play
with Lego on Shabbos.
If my backyard was flooded with rain,
am I permitted to place boards to flatten the surface?
This issue involves the problem of adding substance to a
ground or building, which entails the melacha of Boneh. In this case one
obviously does not intend for the boards to remain there and they are only a means to
enable one to traverse his backyard without getting wet. Therefore there is no problem
placing boards (that are not muktze4) over puddles etc in the street,
backyard or lawn. 5
What may be done on Shabbos with
regards to icy sidewalks? May salt or sand be spread over the ice?
This is more complicated than the previous question,
because the ice and sand are not removed subsequent to the ice’s melting. As far as
pouring salt on ice is concerned we can safely say that since the salt melts and does not
remain on the sidewalk or in the yard it is not called Boneh. However spreading
sand on an icy sidewalk might involve the issur of Boneh; The Sh’miras
Shabbos Kehilchasa 6says that one is permitted to pour sand on an icy
sidewalk and Rav Eliyahu Falk7 says that it is forbidden because the sand
remains in place and is a problem of Boneh.8 Accordingly a halachik
authority must be consulted.
[1] Binyan Shabbos page 63.
[2] M”B 317:16.
[3] Binyan Shabbos Page 63.>
[4] If, for example, they were set aside for that use.
[5] Based on simon 314:10. SS”K 23:17.
[6] SS”K 25:9.
[7] Sefer Machze Eliyahu 67:4.
[8] The source for this issur can be found in Maseches Eiruvin 104a where
the kohanim would sprinkle salt to improve the traction on the ramp leading up to
the mizbeach after it rained, and the gemora says that it involves an issur
of Boneh.
Food For Thought
If one forgets Ya’aleh
V’yavo in the bentching (birkas hamazon) on the night or day of Rosh
HaShana, is he required to bentch again?
Is one permitted to take food out of
the refrigerator/freezer on Shabbos day (this year Rosh HaShana) in order for it to
defrost for the second night of Rosh HaShana?
If a doctor or medic was called out of
shul on the second day of Rosh HaShana between the first set of t’kios
(shofar blowing) and the second set, must he make a b’rocho on the second set?
May one pop an Acamol, Aspirin or
Tylenol due to a headache on either day of Rosh HaShana?
Answers coming next week.
Vort for the Chag
A pupil was walking with his Rosh Yeshiva on the way
to the first Ma’ariv of Rash HaShana and the pupil commented that the Time of
Judgment is approaching. The Rosh Yeshiva burst out crying “Elul, Elul”. The
pupil thought that the Rosh Yeshiva’s old age must have been affecting him, because
he was referring to the imminent Yom HaDin and the Rosh Yeshiva starts crying about Elul.
He did not have to wonder long because the Rosh Yeshiva
cried, “in a few hours the beautiful month of Elul will be over, the month
where Hashem comes closer to us and awaits our repentance”!
We have to chap arayn – grasp at this fantastic
opportunity and draw closer to our Father in heaven, who so awaits our return. |
