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ARCHIVES: HILCHOS SHABBOS; 39 MELACHOS; LISHA

(PROHIBITION OF KNEADING)

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Halachos for Sunday, June 12,  2011

1) We will now begin learning the Halachos of the Melacha of “Lisha, Kneading”.

In the Mishkan water was added to flour and kneaded into dough for the purpose of producing various breads that were eaten along with the Karbanos as well as to produce Matzos and Chalos for the Mincha and other offerings.

Additionally, various different mixtures of cement, dyes and incense had water added to them and were kneaded to produce items needed for the Avoda (service) in the Mishkan.

Thus, taking smaller elements and adding a liquid or another bonding matter to it and thus forming a combined unit is a prohibition of the Melacha of “Lisha”. (In essence, “Lisha” is the exact opposite of “Tochen”; Tochen takes a large item and breaks it down to smaller particles whereas Lisha takes smaller particles and builds them up into a larger item.)

There are various, often complicated, criteria in this Melacha, as we shall B’Ezras Hashem see over the next few weeks.

2) One who combines flour and water or earth and water and kneads it into dough or a cement on Shabbos has transgressed the biblical prohibition of Lisha. (See Rambam Hilchos Shabbos Perek 8 Halacha 16)

It is prohibited to add liquid into a bowl of bread crumbs or Matzah Meal and mix them up together, as doing so is a prohibition of the Melacha of Lisha. (See Biur Halacha Siman 321:14 Dibur Hamaschil V’Afilu)

Likewise, it is prohibited to crumble a cookie or cake and mix them into a soft cheese or into crushed fruit [in the regular manner] in order to feed a baby or ill person as doing so is a prohibition of Lisha. (If done with a Shinui it may be permitted, as we shall discuss in the near future B’Ezras Hashem)

Halachos for Monday, June 13,  2011

1) There is a debate in the Talmud (Shabbos 18a) if the biblical Melacha of Lisha is transgressed by simply combining flour (or another solid) and water (or another liquid), or if the Melacha is not transgressed until the two are actually kneaded together.

Many Rishonim rule that that the biblical transgression is only when the two elements are kneaded together and simply combining them is a rabbinical prohibition.

2) However, some Rishonim rule that even combining the two elements without actually kneading them is a biblical transgression; the prevalent minhag is to be stringent with this besides in extremely necessary situations, as we shall discuss in the near future B’Ezras Hashem. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 321:16 and Mishna Berura Siman 324:11)

Halachos for Tuesday, June 14,  2011

1) Although we learned that simply adding the liquid to the solid is already considered a transgression of Lisha according to many Rishonim, this is only true in regard to water, oil, wine or a similar “runny” liquid which by virtue of its connecting with the dry food already begins seeping in and combining with it.

However, a thick liquid, such as mayonnaise, which does not seep into the solid on its own, may be placed onto the solid, as simply placing it there is not a transgression of Lisha. (Based on the Pri Megadim; Mishbetzos Zahav  Siman 321:12. See “The Shabbos Kitchen” by Rav Simcha Bunim Cohen Shlita page 145 footnote 10)

2) Of course, actually mixing the mayonnaise and the solid food together will be subject to the transgression of Lisha, unless done in a permissible way as we shall B’Ezras Hashem discuss in the near future.

Halachos for Wednesday, June 15,  2011

1) A dough (or other similar mixture) which was already kneaded very well from before Shabbos is no longer subject to the Melacha of Lisha.

Thus, it is permitted to add more water (or other liquid) to this mixture on Shabbos, as the additional liquid does not aid in the kneading of this dough, in fact the additional liquid will further dilute the dough cause an opposite reaction of Lisha. (Lisha causes two elements to combine, whereas the diluting of the mixture causes the two elements to loosen. See Biur Halacha Siman 321:15 Dibur Hamaschil Yachol and Chazon Ish Siman 58:7)

2) However, if the mixture was not well kneaded from before Shabbos (i.e the mixture is still noticeably choppy and not totally combined) it is prohibited to add any more liquid and/or further knead it on Shabbos.

Halachos for Thursday, June 16,  2011

1) According to some Poskim, two distinct mixtures [of similar consistencies], each of which have already been adequately prepared before Shabbos, may still not be combined into one another on Shabbos, and doing so would be a prohibition of the Melacha of Lisha. (Ruling of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal quoted in Shmiras Shabbos K’Hilchaso Perek 8:16)

Thus, according to these Poskim, combining jam and honey or cream with a soft cheese would be prohibited, unless done in a permissible way (which we will B’Ezras Hashem discuss in the near future)

Other Poskim maintain that this is permitted as being that both items were already mixed from before Shabbos no Melacha has been transgressed by combining the two mixed items into each other on Shabbos. (See Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 74; Losh: 13)

2) However, if the two mixtures are identical (e.g. emptying an almost finished container of Techina or Tuna salad into another container containing Techina or Tuna salad in order to consolidate) it is permitted according to all Poskim.

Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh, June 17,  2011

(Double Portion L’Kavod Shabbos Kodesh)

Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh

1) A fruit or vegetable that was mashed on Shabbos [in a permissible way] may  be further mixed, stirred or blended, even though doing this will cause the natural juices of the fruit to combine with the body and result in a firm mixture. (See Chazon Ish Siman 58:8 end of Dibur Hamaschil Yesh)

Thus, for example, after mashing a banana for a child [utilizing a Shinui such as doing it with the handle of a knife] it is permissible to mix it to further soften it for the child, even though by doing so it will form the mixture into a mass.

2) The above is only true when the fruits own juices are being mixed into the body; adding in water or any other liquid, however, is prohibited.

Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh

1) Some Poskim maintain that if done immediately prior to eating Lisha would be permitted, similar to Borer and Tochen, if the other criteria are present. (Based on Shu”t HaRashba Vol. 4 Siman 75)

However, the majority of Poskim rule that in regard to the Melacha of Lisha, the leniency of allowing it immediately before eating does not exist, and thus it is prohibited [in the regular manner] even then. (See Mogen Avrohom Siman 321:24 and Mishna Berura S”K 66. See also Shmiras Shabbos K’Hilchaso Perek 8 footnote 10 quoting Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal why this is the case)

2) However, a food mixture which the usual practice is only to combine the ingredients immediately before eating and is never prepared in advance (e.g. adding water to powdered milk or baby formula for a child) may be combined immediately before eating as doing so will not be considered Lisha, rather it is deemed “Tikun Ma’achal, readying a food for eating”. (Ruling of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal quoted in Shmiras Shabbos K’Hilchaso ibid.)

Halachos for Sunday, June 19,  2011

1) A cooked dish that contains gravy or sauce (from before Shabbos) may be mixed together well, even to the point where the food and the gravy combine resulting in a firmer mass. (See Bais Yosef end of Siman 321 quoting Teshuvos HaRambam Siman 109)

It is even permitted to add additional gravy or sauce into the dish and mix it in. (ibid.)

The reason for this is that we don’t look at this action as a Melacha of Lisha rather we see it as a simple adjustment in the presentation of the food which is already fully  prepared. (See Chazon Ish Siman 58:9. See also Biur Halacha Siman 321:14 Dibur Hamaschil Shema)

2) Many Poskim even allow pouring gravy or sauce on top of dry mashed potatoes or rice using the same reasoning as above, since no significant act of Lisha is taking place and we see it as an adjustment in the presentation of a fully prepared food. (Biur Halacha ibid.)

Some Poskim are stringent and do not allow pouring gravy onto totally dry food [in the regular manner]. (See Chazon Ish Siman 58:7)

However, all agree that if by pouring the gravy onto the rice it will cause the individual rice grains to disperse rather than combine that it is permitted (as the effect of dispersing is the opposite of  the Melacha of Lisha, combining.)

Halachos for Monday, June 20,  2011

1) There are two kinds of mixtures in regards to the Melacha of Lisha:

a) “Blila Avah, a thick mixture”. This is any combination of a food and a liquid that produces a thick mass that does not flow (or flows very slowly). Some common examples of this are dough, tuna fish salad, egg salad, oatmeal and baby cereal [when made to a thick consistency].

b) “Blila Racha, a loose mixture”. This is any combination of food and liquid that although evident that they have been combined to be one unit, will still flow freely when poured. Some common examples include applesauce, ketchup and baby cereal or oatmeal [when made with a lot of water and is thus a loose consistency]

Mixtures that are so watery that they are not perceived as one unit, are not subject to the prohibition of Lisha, provided that they have been watery from the get go(as opposed to a mixture that is thick, and only after adding large amounts of water becomes looser and looser until it is totally watery.) (See Chazon Ish Siman 58:9)

2) Kneading a thick mixture is a biblical prohibition of Lisha, whereas kneading a loose mixture is a rabbinic prohibition.

Thick mixtures may not be kneaded, in most cases, even if a simple Shinui (change of normal procedure) has been employed. Rather it will need some special criteria to be allowed.

Loose mixtures may be kneaded, in most cases, if a simple Shinui or two is implemented.

Over the next few days we will B’Ezras Hashem discuss what constitutes a Shinui and they must be done in order to allow the kneading.

Halachos for Tuesday, June 21,  2011

1) When one needs to mix together a solid and a liquid on Shabbos, in order for the Melacha of Lisha not to be transgressed it must be done with the proper Shinui (abnormal manner)

What is considered a Shinui cannot be determined by the individual, rather Chazal have dictated for us which Shinui is acceptable and which aren’t.

Furthermore, as we mentioned yesterday, certain Shinuim will only be valid for a Blila Racha, a loose mixture and not for a Blila Ava, a thick mixture.

We will first discuss the various Shinuim and then discuss which of them work for which types of mixtures.

2) The normal way to stir a mixture is in a clockwise or counterclockwise motion, going round and round the bowl until the mixture is properly combined.

Taking a utensil and placing it in the mixture and moving in a criss-cross fashion, top to bottom and right to left, and removing the utensil between each stroke and repeating this process until the entire mixture is properly combined, is an acceptable Shinui. (Talmud Shabbos 156a. See Chazon Ish Siman 58:2)

Halachos for Wednesday, June 22,  2011

1) Another acceptable Shinui is to combine a small quantity of a type of food which is normally prepared in large quantities. (e.g. preparing a small amount of tuna fish and mayonnaise, when the normal manner is to prepare the entire can.) (See Chazon Ish Siman 58:1)

The reason for this is that when a small amount is being prepared [when it is normal to prepare larger amounts] we look at it as a simple preparation of the food and not as a Melacha of Lisha. (See Biur Halacha Siman 321:14 Dibur Hamaschil Shema)

2) This shinui applies only to food being prepared for human consumption, as when preparing for animals even a small amount is prohibited. (Chazon Ish Siman 58:2 quoting the opinion of the Ramban)

Furthermore, this Shinui is acceptable only for foods that are edible before being combined, but any food that requires kneading with another ingredient in order to be edible is prohibited even in small amounts. (Biur Halacha ibid.)

Preparing a small amount is only an acceptable Shinui if indeed it is “different” than the usual way of preparing.

Thus, before relying on this Shinui it must be determined that the food in question is indeed not usually prepared in small quantities. (Chazon Ish Siman 58:8)

Halachos for Thursday, June 23,  2011

1) Another Shinui mentioned in the Talmud (Shabbos 140a regarding mustard and garlic) is to knead something which is usually done forcefully, and instead do it softly. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 321:15 and Mishna Berura S”K 58. However, See Biur Halacha Dibur Hamaschil Yachol where he is not so ready to allow this Shinui as he offers a different interpretation of that passage in the Talmud. Thus, many Poskim indeed do not rely on this Shinui for any foods other than mustard and garlic, and it is best to be stringent.)

2) A food which is normally mixed with a spoon or other utensil and not with one’s hands may be mixed on Shabbos with one’s hands, and doing so is an acceptable Shinui.

The above leniency applies only if mixed with one’s bare hands. However, if gloves or another covering are on the hands it no longer is considered being mixed with the hands and will not be an acceptable Shinui. (See Chazon Ish Siman 58:8)

Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh, June 24,  2011

(Double Portion L’Kavod Shabbos Kodesh)

Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh

1) When preparing a Blilah Racha, a loose mixture, if the order in which the liquid and the solid is added is reversed from the way it is normally done on a weekday, it is considered an acceptable Shinui. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 321:14)

Thus, for example, if the normal way to prepare [loose] baby cereal or oatmeal is to place the dry particles into a bowl and then add water or milk, on Shabbos the water or milk should be poured into the bowl first and the cereal or oatmeal be added to the water.

2) If one is not sure what the normal procedure is for any particular food, if the instructions on the packaging give a certain order, that order can be assumed to be the normal practice, and thus should be reversed. (See “The Shabbos Kitchen” by Rav Simcha Bunim Cohen Shlita, page 150 footnote 20 that HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg Shlita concurs with this ruling)

Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh

1) An item which does not have a normal way in which to add the ingredients, and it is normal to do it both either way, according to some Poskim it is still acceptable to add the solid first and then the liquid. (See Mishna Berura Siman 321:57 quoting the Elya Raba who is lenient with this)

However, other Poskim maintain that since there is no one accepted way to add the ingredients, it is impossible to reverse their order, as no matter how you add it it will be considered normal. (Taz Siman 321:11 and Chazon Ish Siman 58:5 Dibur Hamaschil U’Leda’as)

Thus, it is best to be stringent unless in cases of great necessity where the lenient view can be relied upon. (Chazon Ish Siman 58:6 Dibur Hamaschil V’Im. See also Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 74; Losh:3)

2) When one is relying on the Shinui of reversing the way the components are added to the mixture [and in cases where the solids are now being added first], it is important to be careful to add the liquid quickly in one gush.

The reason for this is that if the liquid is added too slowly, it may immediately begin combining with the solid and render it a Blila Avah, a thick mixture, before the rest of the liquid gets added, and can thus be a biblical transgression of Lisha according to some opinions as we learned. (See Chazon Ish Siman 58:8 Dibur Hamaschil Ha)

Halachos for Sunday, June 26, 2011

1) When preparing a loose mixture and the ingredients were added in reverse order, according to some Poskim that is an adequate enough Shinui and thus will not require any additional Shinuim when mixing the food. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 321:14. See also Drisha Siman 321:3 and Chazon Ish Siman 58:5)

Other Poskim, however, maintain that it will require an additional Shinui when mixing the food as well. (Terumas Hadeshen Siman 53. The Mishna Berura S”K 57 writes that it is proper to be stringent like this opinion.)

2) Mixing [a loose mixture] with the handle of a spoon or fork, or with any part of a knife, which is not the normal way to mix food, is considered an acceptable Shinui [for loose mixtures]. (See Shu”t Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 74; Losh:11. See also Shu”t Tzitz Eliezer Vol. 11 Siman 36 quoting the opinion of Shu”t Minchas Yechiel)

Halachos for Monday, June 27, 2011

1) Although we learned that a Blilah Ava, a thick mixture cannot be mixed on Shabbos even with a Shinui, there are a few exceptions to this rule as we shall now see.

A food that cannot be prepared from before Shabbos (due to its not tasting as good if it is prepared in advance) may be prepared on Shabbos if a Shinui is employed in its mixing, even if the food is a Blilah Avah, a thick mixture. (See Sha’ar HaTziyun Siman 321:84 quoting the Taz and the Elya Raba that in cases where it cannot be prepared before we are lenient even by thick mixtures.)

When preparing the aforementioned thick mixture, it is best to also add the ingredients in reverse order than normal. (Mishna Berura Siman 321:68)

2) When preparing a food (e.g. cereal) for an infant, even if it’s a thick mixture, it may be prepared employing a Shinui while mixing it. (See Chazon Ish Siman 58:8 Dibur Hamaschil K’Shekoseshin)

Here too, it is best if the ingredients are added in the reverse order from the normal way they are usually added.

Halachos for Tuesday, June 28, 2011

1) The prohibition of Lisha applies to crushed or mashed fruits and vegetables as well.

Thus, it is prohibited to add [in a regular manner] another liquid into a base of crushed fruits or vegetables (e.g. adding and mixing mayonnaise into a dish of mashed eggplant or ketchup into a dish of mashed potatoes)

If the “liquid” being added is not a runny liquid (e.g. mayonnaise or thick ketchup) and thus doesn’t start combining with the food on its own, it may be added in the regular manner, and only requires an acceptable Shinui in the actual mixing, as we learned previously. (See Chazon Ish Siman 58:4 and 8 that when a thick liquid such as mayonnaise is being used, it is considered more of a “real” mixture as it becomes one mass, and thus requires a criss-cross mixing as opposed to a lesser Shinui of just mixing it softly.)

2)If one is preparing a mixture of crushed fruits or vegetables and a liquid ( e.g. adding some soup to mashed carrots) in order to feed an infant, a Shinui of mixing it in criss-cross fashion or mixing it gently as opposed to forcefully (or any other acceptable Shinui that we learned) must be employed. (See Chazon Ish Siman 58:8 Dibur Hamaschil K’shekoseshin)

However, if bread crumbs or pieces of cheese are added to the mixture of soup and mashed carrots (thus making the end product a thick mass and deeming it a “real” mixture) it should be mixed with criss-cross strokes (i.e. a real Shinui) and not simply with a Shinui of “mixing gently” (i.e. not a complete Shinui). (See Chazon Ish ibid.)

Halachos for Wednesday, June 29, 2011

1) Vegetables that are cut into very small pieces are also subject to the prohibition of Lisha.

Thus, if one adds oil or another liquid into these finely chopped vegetables they must be mixed gently or in a criss-cross fashion. (See Mishna Berura Siman 321:68. Of course, these finely chopped vegetables need to be cut in a way that the Melacha of Tochen is not violated, as we learned in Hilchos Tochen.)

Additionally, it is best to add the vegetables into the oil in reverse order before mixing. (ibid.)

2) Vegetables that are cut in large pieces, as well as vegetable salads that consist of large, easily recognizable pieces of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers etc., are not subject to the prohibition of Lisha, and it is permissible to add oil, vinegar, lemon juice or any other dressing in the regular order and mix it in the regular manner as well. (As the liquid does not combine with the vegetables to form a new mass, rather the liquid simply coats the vegetables which remain recognizable as they were previously.)

Halachos for Thursday, June 30, 2011

1) We will now discuss some practical examples of food dishes which are commonly prepared in Jewish households across the world and see how to ensure that they are prepared in an acceptable manner without Chas V’Shalom transgressing the Melacha of Lisha.

Eggplant salad (also referred to as Babaganush) consisting of mashed eggplant and oil or another liquid should not be prepared on Shabbos, as this combination forms a real, thick mass (Blila Avah) and can just as well have been prepared before Shabbos.

However, if the binder used in this salad is only mayonnaise and not a liquid it may be prepared on Shabbos as long as it is mixed using criss-cross strokes. (As mayonnaise does not begin combining with the food, as a liquid does, until actually being mixed.)

If this salad was prepared before Shabbos and when it is taken out on Shabbos some oil has risen to the top and is covering the top of the salad, it may be remixed into the salad without any concern for Lisha.

2) Techina, a dish made by mixing ground sesame seeds and water, may not be prepared on Shabbos as doing so causes the water and the sesame seeds to combine into a thick Mixture. (even though the end product is a runny liquid dip, in the process of mixing it each sesame seed first becomes a thick mass then goes on to break down into a liquid)

If the Techina was [completely] prepared before Shabbos, it is permitted to add some additional water to the mixture on Shabbos and to mix it in, as the added water only serves to further dilute the Techina. (If it was not completely mixed from before Shabbos, adding water and mixing on Shabbos would be prohibited)

Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh, July 1 , 2011

(Double Portion L’Kavod Shabbos Kodesh)

Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh

1) Cole Slaw, made from shredded cabbage and carrots mixed with mayonnaise and vinegar should ideally be prepared before Shabbos.

If it was not prepared before Shabbos, being that it tastes better when it’s fresh many Poskim allow it to be prepared on Shabbos with a Shinui. (See Mishna Berura Siman 321:68)

2) It is permissible to add wine, juice or other liquids into a fruit salad, as the pieces of fruit are large and not finely diced.

Likewise, it is permitted to add mayonnaise and vinegar into pieces of potato to make potato salad, as the pieces are large and thus not subject to the prohibition of Lisha.

Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh

1) Pieces of banana or strawberry may be mixed with sour cream as the pieces are large and not subject to the prohibition of Lisha

However, if the bananas or strawberries are crushed or mashed and only a little bit of cream is added it is subject to the prohibition of Lisha and may only be mixed in a criss-cross fashion or via another acceptable Shinui.

2)If a lot of cream is added to the point that the fruit and the cream do not become one mass, rather the fruit spreads about in the cream, it is permitted to mix in the normal fashion.

We will discuss more common examples next week B’Ezras Hashem

Halachos for Sunday, July 3 , 2011

1) Horseradish sauce, Chrain, may be mixed with mayonnaise, to form a dressing often referred to as Chrayonnaise, and no Shinui is required when mixing as the result of mixing these two items is a liquid like mix and not a firmer mass.

2) Milk, applesauce or other liquids may be added to baby cereals to form a loose mixture, as long as the ingredients were added in reverse order and the cereal mixed in criss-cross motions, with the bare hands, with the handle of a spoon or with another acceptable Shinui.

Care should be taken, though, to use adequate liquid and/or pour the liquid in quickly to ensure that at no point in the preparation will it be a Blila Ava, a thick mixture.

In cases of great necessity where a thick cereal is needed for an infant, the ingredients must be added in reverse order, and a “real” Shinui (criss-cross motion or with bare hands, as opposed to mixing it gently or with the handle of a utensil) must be employed in the mixing of the cereal.)

In each specific case before preparing a thick mixture, a Rav must be consulted to determine if it is indeed deemed a case of “great necessity”.

Halachos for Monday, July 4 , 2011

1) When preparing egg salad on Shabbos, which consists of mashed eggs, diced onions and oil it is best to add the ingredients in reverse order, i.e. pour the oil into the bowl and then add the eggs and onions. (of course, the eggs can only be peeled immediately before eating to avoid Borer, and the onions shouldn’t be cut too small to avoid Tochen)

If mayonnaise is being used instead of oil, the ingredients may be added in the regular order.

The oil or mayonnaise and eggs should then be mixed with criss-cross motions.

2) Some people have the custom to prepare eggs and onions on Shabbos (referred to in Yiddish as Eier Mit Tzvibel) in the regular manner without any Shinu at all.

These people have on whom to rely as the Poskim give various reasons why this particular dish may have some leniencies. (See Shu”t Tzitz Eliezer Vol. 11 Siman 36, Shu”t Be’er Moshe Vol. 6 Siman 44 and Shmiras Shabbos K’Hilchaso Perek 8 footnote 81)

However, if one does not have this lenient custom in their family, it should not be relied upon.

Halachos for Tuesday, July 5 , 2011

1) It is permitted to add sugar or cocoa into yogurt or leben as no “mass” is created by mixing these two products and the two components are absorbed rather than combined, and this is not subject to the Melacha of Lisha.

2) Two distinct mixtures [of similar consistencies], each of which have already been adequately prepared before Shabbos, according to some Poskim, may still not be combined into one another on Shabbos. (Ruling of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal quoted in Shmiras Shabbos K’Hilchaso Perek 8:16)

Thus, according to these Poskim, combining jam, jelly or honey with cream or cottage cheese or similar items would be prohibited unless a Shinui is employed.

Other Poskim, however, maintain that this is permitted in the regular manner as being that both items were already mixed from before Shabbos no Melacha has been transgressed by combining the two mixed items into each other on Shabbos. (See Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 74; Losh: 13)

Halachos for Wednesday, July 6 , 2011

1) Milk may be added to cold breakfast cereals, such as Corn Flakes, Cheerios, Rice Krispies etc. in the regular manner as these cereals do not combine with the milk to become one mass, rather the milk simply covers each piece of the cereal, and thus they are not subject to the Melacha of Lisha.

However, if the above cereals are crushed into small pieces they will indeed be subject to the Melacha of Lisha, as the crushed cereal and milk does bond to become one mass.

Thus, when combining crushed cereal with milk, the milk should be added to the bowl before the cereal, and the combination should only be mixed with a Shinui.

2) Oatmeal, Farina, or any other cereals which do in fact bond together with the water, milk or other liquid that is added to them, are subject to the Melacha of Lisha. If the mixture will be a Blila Ava, a thick mixture, it is preferable not to prepare this on Shabbos, unless in cases of great necessity.

If the final product will be a Blila Racha, a loose mixture, the ingredients should be added in reverse order and mixed with a Shinui.

Halachos for Thursday, July 7 , 2011

1) Instant mashed potatoes, which is made by combining powdered potatoes and water and results in a thick mixture, may not be prepared on Shabbos, even by means of a Shinui,unless extremely necessary to feed a child or ill person. (See Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 74: Losh;12)

2)Instant pudding where a powder is combined with water to produce a pudding, id the result is a loose mixture it may be prepared by adding the ingredients in reverse order and mixing with a Shinui.

If the result is a pudding that is a thick mixture, it may not be prepared on Shabbos even with a Shinui, unless extremely necessary to feed a child or ill person. (ibid.)

Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh, July 8, 2011

(Double portion L’kavod Shabbos Kodesh)

Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh

1) Powder which is spread on dentures (false teeth) and placed in the mouth where it then mixes with the saliva to form a paste may not be used on Shabbos, according to many Poskim, as doing so is a prohibition of Lisha. (See Shmiras Shabbos K’Hilchaso Perek 14:35)

Some Poskim are lenient and do not consider this a transgression of Lisha. (See Shu”t Shevet Haleivi Vol. 4 Siman 32)

Other Poskim rule that although forming this “glue” isn’t a transgression of Lisha, it is still prohibited due to the Melacha of Boneh.

For Halacha L’Ma’aseh, of course, a Rav must be consulted.

2) It is permitted to chew gum on Shabbos, as even though the gum and the saliva mix to form a thick mass, this is considered Derech Achilah, the normal way of eating and thus not subject to Lisha. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 328:36)

Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh

1) One who transgressed the Melacha of Lisha on Shabbos is subject to the same guidelines as one who cooked on Shabbos, as follows:

If it was done intentionally (B’Meizid) the person who did it may not have any benefit from it ever, while other people may derive benefit from it immediately after this Shabbos. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 318:1)

If it was done inadvertently (B’Shogeg) he too may derive benefit from it once this Shabbos is over. (ibid.)

The Gaon of Vilna rules that when done inadvertently, the one who did it as well as anyone else may derive benefit from it even on this Shabbos. (See Mishna Berura Siman 318:7)

In cases of necessity we may rely on the Gaon’s ruling (ibid.)

2) In situations where M’Ikar Hadin there is no concern of Lisha, and we are only stringent due to a Chumrah, a stringency, if it was done on Shabbos the item may be used. (See Biur Halacha Siman 321:16 Dibur Hamaschil Aval)

Tam V’Nishlam

Shevach L’Borei Olam

SheHu Chai V’Kayam

V’Lo Yanum V’Lo Yishan

This brings us to the end of our journey into the Halachos of the Melacha of Lisha. I thank Hashem for giving us the opportunity to complete these Halachos and pray for Siyata D’shamya to begin and complete many other areas of Halacha together with you, my dear readers.

Questions? Feel free to email me at HalachaForToday@Gmail.com