Sunday, May 31, 2015

Asking a Non Jew to Cook for a Holeh She'en Bo Sakana

Asking a Non Jew to Cook for a Holeh She'en Bo Sakana
Day: Sunday
Date: May 31, 2015
Parshat: Biha'aloticha
Yalkut Yosef: 328


As previously mentioned, our Hachamim prohibited us from commanding a non Jew to do anything on Shabbat that we ourselves cannot do. Since this is a rabbinic prohibition, it does not apply in the case of a Holeh She'en Bo Sakana. Therefore, one may tell a non Jew to cook for such a person on Shabbat even though cooking on Shabbat is forbidden MiDe'oraitah . However, a Jew may not do any malachot De'oraitah for a Holeh She'en Bo Sakana except if there is absolutely no other option and even then only bishinuy.


The DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Friday, May 29, 2015

Cooking for a Holeh She'en Bo Sakana

Cooking for a Holeh She'en Bo Sakana
Day: Friday
Date: May 29, 2015
Parshat: Naso
Yalkut Yosef: 328


It is permissible to cook hot food for a Holeh She'en Bo Sakana on Shabbat in something that was heated by the sun. (See DSH from June 11, 2014.) This is because cooking with the indirect heat of the sun on Shabbat is forbidden Miderabanan and for such a person it is permissible to do Derabanans. Ordinarily a Derabanan can only be done with a shinuy. However since there are Poskim who hold that with regards to cooking there is no change that is considered to be a real shinuy, it is not necessary to use a shinuy in this situation. If possible however, it should be done with a shinuy anyhow.


The DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Squeezing Fruits on Shabbat for a Holeh She'en Bo Sakana

Squeezing Fruits on Shabbat for a Holeh She'en Bo Sakana
Day: Thursday
Date: May 28, 2015
Parshat: Naso
Yalkut Yosef: 328


On Shabbat it is permissible to do for a Holeh She'en Bo Sakana any melacha Derabanan bishinuy. If there is no other option it is even permissible to do melachot De'oraita for a Holeh She'en Bo Sakana. Such melachot should also should be done bishinuy. As mentioned previously (see DSH from November 12, 2014) there is a Rabbinic prohibition against squeezing fruits on Shabbat that are normally squeezed for their juice. (With the exception of grapes and olives which are forbidden to squeeze MiDe'oraita). Therefore, if the doctor ordered that a Holeh She'en Bo Sakana drink fresh orange juice daily, it would be permissible to squeeze the juice bishinuy for him. Squeezing the fruits with one's left hand instead of his right is considered a shinuy.


The DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Holeh She'en Bo Sakana

Holeh She'en Bo Sakana
Day: Wednesday
Date: May 27, 2015
Parshat: Naso
Yalkut Yosef: 328


The following people fall into the category of Holeh She'en Bo Sakana: a person who is bedridden (but not in a life threatening situation), and a person who's entire body feels sore or is in pain due to his condition. Very often a person with an ear infection or even a person with a bad cold fit into these conditions. A person who is currently not bedridden only because he is on medications is also considered to be a Holeh She'en Bo Sakana. Women from the eighth day after giving birth until the thirtieth day and children under nine years old are also considered to be Holeh She'en Bo Sakana.


The DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

May a Person With Asthma Walk to Shul on Shabbat

May a Person With Asthma Walk to Shul on Shabbat
Day: Tuesday
Date: May 26, 2015
Parshat: Naso
Hazon Ovadia: Shabbat 3, Pg. 381


A person with asthma may walk to shul on Shabbat, even though afterward he may be short of breath and have to take medications. The issue in this case is not whether he is allowed to take medications or not. Of course, once he's short of breath he must help himself. The issue is whether or not he's allowed to cause himself to be in that situation. Maybe, since he can pray at home he is required to do so and not cause himself to possibly need to take medications. However, since it is not certain that he will be short of breath and have to take medications, it is not considered to be a Pesik Resha and is therefore allowed. Even according to the Poskim who hold that it is a Pesik Resha, he is still permitted to go since it is a Pesik Resha Derabanan and it is being done for a mitzvah.


The DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Friday, May 22, 2015

Taking Vitamins on Shabbat

Taking Vitamins on Shabbat
Day: Friday
Date: May 22, 2015
Parshat: Bimidbar
Hazon Ovadia: Shabbat 4, Pg. 363


The prohibition against taking medications on Shabbat only applies to a person who needs them. However a person who is not sick at all can eat or drink things for his health that healthy people don't generally partake of. Therefore, a person who's voice is hoarse but is not sore or in any pain may swallow a raw egg in order to bring his voice back. Likewise it is also permissible for a person to take vitamins and supplements on Shabbat.


The DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Sending a Non Jew to Buy Permissible Medications on Shabbat

Sending a Non Jew to Buy Permissible Medications on Shabbat
Day: Thursday
Date: May 21, 2015
Parshat: Bimidbar
Hazon Ovadia: Shabbat 4, Pg. 356


As we have said, a person with a Mihush Be'alma may consume honey or take other things that healthy people consume even though his only reason is to feel better. If necessary, it is permissible on Shabbat to tell a non Jew to go and bring these things from a store. One can instruct the goy even if he will need to carry the items through a Reshut Harabim in order to bring it. The reason is as follows. On Shabbat one may not carry from a private domain to a public domain or vice versa unless there is an eruv. Carrying from one private property to another and passing though a public domain in the process is forbidden Miderabanan. Instructing a non Jew to do a melacha, such as carrying in a place without an Eruv is also forbidden Miderabanan. Telling a goy to carry from one private domain to another through a public domain however would involve two Rabbinic prohibitions. Since this is a matter of health it is permissible. This is called a Shvut Deshvut. (See DSH from May 7, 2015 for more information on Shvut Deshvut.)


The DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

One Who Has a Sore Throat on Shabbat


One Who Has a Sore Throat on Shabbat
Day: Wednesday
Date: May 20, 2015
Parshat: Bimidbar
Hazon Ovadia: Shabbat 4, Pg. 356


Our Hachamim forbade doing anything on Shabbat to heal a person who falls under the category of Mihush Be'alma. Mihush Be'alma is a person who doesn't feel a hundred percent but is not bedridden or in any terrible pain. The reason is so that a person will not end up grinding herbs which is forbidden as part of the Melacha of Tohen - Grinding. (See DSH from November 28, 2014.) However, something which is done by healthy people may be done by a person with a Mihush Be'alma as well. For example, since honey is used by healthy people, a person with a sore throat may consume honey too even though he's only having it to heal his throat. There are some Poskim who do allow a person with a Mihush Be'alma to take aspirin or Tylenol and therefore one who is in a lot of pain, may do so. Of course, if there is any life threatening danger, everything possible must be done to save the person.


The DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Levels of Illness with Regards to Shabbat

Levels of Illness with Regards to Shabbat
Day: Tuesday
Date: May 19, 2015
Parshat: Bimidbar
Yalkut Yosef: 328


With regards to medication on Shabbat there are several different levels of severity.
1. Holeh Sheyesh Bo Sakana, a person with a life threatening condition. This is not necessarily an illness, it can even include a person with a very deep cut, or a person who was bitten by a dog for example.
2. Sakanat Ever, a person at risk of losing a limb. Since nowadays we are aware that danger to even one limb can be fatal due to infections etc, one must treat such things with the same urgency as a Holeh Sheyesh Bo Sakana.
3. Holeh She'en Bo Sakana, a non dangerously ill person. This category includes a person with a non life threatening illness who is bedridden due that illness, or if not bedridden feels discomfort all over his body as a result of the illness. Babies are also included on this category, even if they are heathy.
4. Mihush Be'alma, a person who doesn't feel a hundred percent but hasn't yet reached the point of Holeh She'en Bo Sakana.


The DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Monday, May 18, 2015

Pikuah Nefesh on Shabbat

Pikuah Nefesh on Shabbat
Day: Monday
Date: May 18, 2015
Parshat: Bimidbar
Halichot Olam: 4, Pg. 141


The Torah says (Vayikra 18:5) "And you shall observe my decrees and my laws, which man shall do, and by which he shall live." Our Hachamim infer, "by which he shall live," and not die.
Therefore the Talmud Yerushalmi (Yuma 8:5) teaches us: "One who is quick to violate Shabbat in a life threatening situation is praised. The person asked is censured, and one who asks is responsible for bloodshed."
If Gd forbid there is a life in danger it is a requirement upon anyone who is able to help to do so immediately. To act first and ask questions later. If it is necessary to desecrate Shabbat it should be done by a Gd fearing Jew. A non Jew should only be asked to help if he will be more effective or if there is no Jew around.


The DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Sunday, May 17, 2015

Using Moisturizer on Shabbat

Using Moisturizer on Shabbat
Day: Sunday
Date: May 17, 2015
Parshat: Bimidbar
Yalkut Yosef: 327


It is permitted to use moisturizer on one's hands on Shabbat. One who's hands are dry to the point of cracking, may use moisturizer only if he regularly does so. However, if he does not use it regularly, he may not use it on Shabbat either. It is permissible to put perfume or cologne onto one's skin on Shabbat. However as mentioned previously (See DSH from Dec. 30, 2014) it is forbidden to apply it to one's clothes. It is permissible to put it on oneself even though it'll eventually rub off onto his clothes as long as his intention is not for the clothes.


The DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Friday, May 15, 2015

Applying Creams to a Baby's Skin on Shabbat

Applying Creams to a Baby's Skin on Shabbat
Day: Friday
Date: May 15, 2015
Parshat: Behar/Behukotai
Yalkut Yosef: 327


In general it is forbidden on Shabbat to spread creams and ointments on oneself as part of a healing process. However there are certain exceptions. One exception is for a baby. With regards to Hilchot Shabbat babies are considered the same as a person who is struck with a non life threatening illness. As such we are able to be leniant in certain situations. (See DSH from May 10, 2015) It is permissable to apply to a baby's skin creams that will be absorbed. It is better however, not to spread the cream but instead to dab it and let it spread on its own.


The DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Using a Toothpick on Shabbat

Using a Toothpick on Shabbat
Day: Thursday
Date: May 14, 2015
Parshat: Behar/Behukotai
Yalkut Yosef: 326


It is permissible to use toothpicks on Shabbat to remove food stuck between one's teeth. One should try to be careful not to make himself bleed. Since his intention is not to make himself bleed, if he did cause himself to bleed it would constitute only a melacha Derabanan. The Rabanan did not forbid such things in situations where refraining will cause pain. Therefore even if he did bleed he has not done anything wrong. One may not break off a twig to use as a toothpick whether he wants to break it off by hand or with a knife. It is permitted though to use a match as toothpick.


The DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Brushing One's Teeth on Shabbat

Brushing One's Teeth on Shabbat
Day: Wednesday
Date: May 13, 2015
Parshat: Behar/Behukotai
Yalkut Yosef: 326


A person who will be otherwise uncomfortable may brush his teeth on Shabbat if doing so doesn't normally cause his gums to bleed. No special toothbrush or toothpaste is necessary. It is better to use toothpaste that has a runny consistency, or to use mouthwash instead, and to have a designated Shabbat toothbrush if possible. It is even better to refrain from brushing altogether on Shabbat if it won't cause discomfort. Obviously, any electric functions on a toothbrush may not be used on Shabbat. It should be noted that there are some Poskim who do not allow brushing one's teeth on Shabbat at all and some who only allow using one's finger as a brush. However, our custom is to follow those Poskim who allow it under the conditions mentioned above.


The DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Using Bar Soap on Shabbat

Using Bar Soap on Shabbat
Day: Tuesday
Date: May 12, 2015
Parshat: Behar/Behukotai
Yalkut Yosef: 326


There are some poskim who do not allow a person to use bar soap on Shabbat and other poskim that do allow it. Therefore if necessary a person may wash his hands on Shabbat with a bar of soap. If possible though, it is proper to be more strict and not do so. A person who does use bar soap even when he has other options does not need to be stopped. Ashkenazim, however are strict in this regard and may only use liquid soap on Shabbat.


The DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Monday, May 11, 2015

Using an Automatic Hand Dryer on Shabbat

Using an Automatic Hand Dryer on Shabbat
Day: Monday
Date: May 11, 2015
Parshat: Behar/Behukotai
Yalkut Yosef: 326


On Shabbat a person should not bathe in cold water and then stand next to a heater while still wet. By warming up the water on him it is as if he has bathed in warm water. However, it is permissible to put one's hands next to a heater to dry them, since he would even be allowed to wash them with warm water. Therefore, an automatic hand dryer may be used on Shabbat if it was on from before Shabbat or if a non Jew turned it on to use for himself and left it on. The hand dryer may be used whether it blows cold or even hot air. A person with a stomachache may put a hot water bottle on his stomach if the bottle is closed well. There is a concern that he may end up using the hot water to wash himself and therefore, without a cover, it is prohibited. It should be noted that even during the week, due to danger, one may not use such a water bottle if the water is extremely hot.


The DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Sunday, May 10, 2015

Bathing a Small Child on Shabbat

Bathing a Small Child on Shabbat
Day: Sunday
Date: May 10, 2015
Parshat: Behar/Behukotai
Yalkut Yosef: 326


The prohibition against bathing with hot water on Shabbat applies to everyone, even small chidren. However, a child that got soiled, or that is normally washed daily, may be washed with warm water. This is allowed since washing the child with cold water can cause the child to become sick. Of course, one may not heat up water even to wash such a child. One may only use water heated before Shabbat or heated by the sun. In most cases hot water from the faucet is heated by a boiler on Shabbat and therefore such water may not be used to bathe the child. When one turns on the hot water he inadvertantly casues more water to enter the boiler and become heated on Shabbat. This is called a "Pesik Resha" and is prohibited MiDerabanan. Our Hachamim did not forbid Pesik Resha to be done for a person who is ill. We are also taught that a small child is considered by the Torah to have the same status as a person who is ill. Therefore if there is no other option one may even use hot water from the faucet to bathe the child on Shabbat.


The DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Friday, May 8, 2015

Bathing on Shabbat

Bathing on Shabbat
Day: Friday
Date: May 8, 2015
Parshat: Emor
Yalkut Yosef: 326


It is forbidden to wash one's whole body on Shabbat with warm water even if it is done limb by limb as opposed to all at once. This is true regardless of whether the water was heated on Shabbat or before Shabbat. Washing most of one's body is considered to be the same as washing the whole body and is therefore also forbidden. Water that is warm but not to the point of "Yad Soledet Bo" may also not be used. (See DSH from June 8, 2014.) It is however permissable to wash small areas of one's body such as the face, hands and feet with warm water that was heated before Shabbat, with water that was heated by a non Jew for a non Jew, or with water that was heated by the sun. Such water is also permitted to be used to wash dishes where washing dishes is permissible on Shabbat. (See DSH from April 26 & 27, 2015.) It is permissible on Shabbat to bathe with cold water even if it is done all at once. Of course, one must be very careful not squeeze water out of his towel or hair. Ashkenazim are strict in this regard and do not bathe on Shabbat even in cold water. If an Ashenazi person is very uncomfortable due to exccesive heat or persperation, even he may shower in cold water on Shabbat.


The DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org
 

Thursday, May 7, 2015

Shvut DeShvut Bimkom Mitzvah

Shvut DesShvut Bimkom Mitzvah
Day: Thursday
Date: May 7, 2015
Parshat: Emor
Yalkut Yosef: 325


The accepted Halacha is that a "shvut deshvut bimkom mitzvah" is permissible on Shabbat. This means that a Rabbinic prohibition on another Rabbinic prohibition is permissible for the sake of a mitzvah. This is permitted even though the person will benefit from it. For example, playing an instrument on Shabbat is a Rabbinic prohibition as is instructing a non Jew to do a melacha. Therefore for a mitzvah, such as a Sheva Berachot on Shabbat, one may tell a non Jew to play music to enhance the celebration since both prohibitions are Rabbinic.

Another example would be as follows. On Shabbat one may not carry from a private domain to a public domain with no eruv or vice versa. Carrying from one private property to another and passing though a public domain in the process is forbidden Miderabanan. Instructing a non Jew to carry in a place without an Eruv is also forbidden Miderabanan. Telling a goy to carry from one private domain to another through a public domain would involve two Rabinic prohibitions. There if necessary for a mitzvah, for example if he needs the Goy to get food for his Shabbat meal, he may instruct him to do so.


The DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Coffee made by a Goy on Shabbat for Other Goyim

Coffee made by a Goy on Shabbat for Other Goyim
Day: Wednesday
Date: May 6, 2015
Parshat: Emor
Yalkut Yosef: 325


Coffee made by a goy for other goyim on Shabbat may be consumed if there were no Jews there when the coffee was made. If there were Jews around when the coffee was made one has to be concerned that the goy may have made extra for the Jew. Therefore such coffee may not be consumed. An example would be a person staying in a hotel for Shabbat. If he came down to the lobby and there was coffee already ready, it is permissible to partake of the coffee. If the coffee is only still being made, he may not partake of it.


The DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Melacha Done by a Non Jew on Shabbat for a Jew


Melacha Done by a Non Jew on Shabbat for a Jew
Day: Tuesday
Date: May 5, 2015
Parshat: Emor
Yalkut Yosef: 324


It is forbidden to benefit on Shabbat from melacha that was done by a non Jew for a Jew. This is true even if the non Jew was not asked to do the melacha. Even if the non Jew does not know the Jew, if it is apparent in any way that the melacha is being done for the Jew no benefit can be had from it. Therefore one may not have a maid or an assistant boil coffee for him on Shabbat afternoon. If the maid boiled water for herself and some is left over one may also not drink that water on Shabbat. This is a rabbinic decree in order to prevent a person from eventually asking the non Jew straight out to cook food for him on Shabbat. If there is no other option or it is needed for a mitzvah then the leftover water that was made for the non Jew may be consumed.


The DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Monday, May 4, 2015

Feeding Animals on Shabbat

Feeding Animals on Shabbat
Day: Monday
Date: May 4, 2015
Parshat: Emor
Yalkut Yosef: 324


It is forbidden on Shabbat to feed strays and ownerless animals since doing so requires effort that would otherwise not have been necessary. It is permissible however, to feed one’s own pets since they rely on him for their food. The exception to feeding one’s own animals is birds that get let out of their cage - since they can easily get their food elsewhere, and pigs which are forbidden to keep as pets. It is also forbidden to keep as a pet a dog that by nature hurts people. Because it may not be kept as a pet it is also forbidden to feed such a dog on Shabbat. Leftover food being thrown out anyways may be put next to the trashcan for animals around since there is no special effort being done. For this reason it is permissible to shake out the tablecloth in the yard even though birds will likely come and eat the crumbs. As mentioned previously (DSH January 3, 2014), animals are muktzeh on Shabbat and may not be moved directly.


The DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org

Sunday, May 3, 2015

Making the Beds for After Shabbat

Making the Beds for After Shabbat
Day: Sunday
Date: May 3, 2015
Parshat: Emor
Yalkut Yosef: 323


During Shabbat one may not smooth out the pillows and blankets on his bed in preparation for going to sleep on Motzei Shabbat. However, it is permissible to make the beds so that the house will look orderly. Once it becomes late and apparent that the bedrooms will no longer be used one should not make the beds. One may change children into pajamas on Shabbat even if they are going to be put to sleep after Shabbat is over as long as they are normally put into pajamas at that time.


The DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org