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ARCHIVES: HILCHOS SHABBOS; 39 MELACHOS; BORER
(PROHIBITION OF SORTING ON SHABBOS)
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Halachos for Sunday, December 26 2010
We will now, B’Ezras Hashem, move on to another of the thirty nine Melachos of Shabbos, the Halachos of Borer, sorting.
These Halachos are extremely
important as hardly a Shabbos goes by where the need to sort isn’t
present, and many times unfortunately a simple lack of information
causes people to sort in a prohibited way.
Once these Halachos are learned,
however, it will be very simple to sort in a permissible way and thus
avoid Chilul Shabbos Chas V’Shalom.
1) If one has a mixture of food
and waste, the waste may never be removed from the food, as removing
waste from food is the quintessential Melacha of Borer.
If, however,
a) the food is removed from the waste it will be permissible if two other conditions are present:
b) It is removed with one’s bare hands without utilizing a utensil.
c) It is removed with the intent of eating the food immediately.
2) Only if all three of the
above conditions are met is Borer permissible, as it then is considered
“Derech Achilah, the normal way of eating” and not “Derech Borer, the
way of sorting” (See Mishna Berura in his introduction to Siman 319)
The above is Hilchos Borer in a
nutshell. Over the next few weeks we will, B’Ezras Hashem, delve into
many more intricate aspects, exceptions, and examples etc. of the above.
Halachos for Monday, December 27 2010
1) As we learned yesterday, one
of the conditions that need to be present in order for Borer of food to
be allowed on Shabbos is if it is being done with intent to eat the food
“immediately” (referred to in Halacha as “Ochlo L’Alter”).
The term “immediately” does not
mean it must be eaten within a few seconds of being sorted; rather it
means it must be done within the normal time frame before the meal that
is considered normal preparation time for a meal. (See Mishna
Berura Siman 321:45 where he writes that the women may not start
preparing the Shabbos meal before the men leave Shul after davening)
2) However, even within the
above permissible time frame, one can only do it if he/she plans to eat
right away after all the preparations for the meal are done, and not if
one intends to do another significant chore after the meal preparations
are done, before actually eating.
If at the time of preparation
one planned to eat right afterwards and then only before the meal
decided to take a walk or do another chore, it is permitted and it does
not invalidate the preparations that were done permissibly. (ruling of Maran Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Shlita quoted in Sefer Ayil Meshulash Perek 8 footnote 24)
Halachos for Tuesday, December 28 2010
1) Two different foods that are
mixed together may not be separated by removing the one that is not
wanted from the one that is wanted (e.g. separating a mixture of raisins
and nuts by removing the raisins which are not desired from the nuts
which will be eaten), even though both are totally edible foods as the
one that isn’t wanted is considered P’soLes, waste, for the purposes of
Borer. (Shulchan Aruch and Rama Siman 319:3. See also Biur Halacha Dibur Hamaschil U’Meiniach Hasheini)
2)However, if both foods are
wanted, albeit separately one after the other (e.g. separating a mixture
of raisins and nuts, where the one pile will be eaten first and the
other will be eaten immediately afterwards), they may be separated
provided it is done by hand, as then all three conditions of permissible
Borer will be present. (See Biur Halacha Siman 319:1 Dibur Hamaschil U’Borer Min)
Halachos for Wednesday, December 29 2010
1) The prohibition of Borer applies to all items, not only to food. (See Mishna Berura Siman 319:15)
Games that contain pieces and
components of different shapes, sizes and colors, may not be sorted upon
finishing playing in order to put them away neatly.
However, if at the onset of
playing the game they are being sorted in order to be able to play with
them right then, it is permissible.
2) A children’s playroom messily
strewn with various toys on top of each other may not be sorted in
order to put away each toy in its designated place.
However, if the toys are not
mixed together and are just laying on the floor not in a mixture, each
toy may be picked up and put away in its place, as a prerequisite for
Borer to be prohibited is for the items to be B’Ta’aruvos, in a mixture.
Halachos for Thursday, December 30 2010
1) Photographs may not be sorted on Shabbos in order to place them in order into a photo album or into designated piles.
A pile of papers that are out of
order may not be sorted on Shabbos to make them in order of pages or in
order of topics, unless it is being done to use them in their proper
order immediately.
2)If one has a pile of two foods
or objects in front of them (e.g. a pile of raisins and peanuts) and is
only interested in one of them (the peanuts), but a friend there with
him is interested in the other item (the raisins) it is permitted in
this instance to remove the item that he is not interested in, as since
his friend wants it, it is considered “Derech Achila, the normal way of
eating” as for the friend it is Ochel M’Toch P’soles, taking the good
from the bad, and not a prohibited act of Borer. (See Shmiras Shabbos K’Hilchasa Perek 3:7 and footnote 13 quoting Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal)
Of course, it must have the
other two conditions for permissible borer: it be separated without
utensils and the friend must also eat it [or use it] immediately.
Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh, December 31 2010
(Double portion L’Kavod Shabbos Kodesh)
Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh
1)If one has two foods or
objects in front of them (e.g. a bowl of chicken soup containing
vegetables) and is currently interested in only one of them (the soup),
but will be interested in the second item (the vegetables) as soon as
the first item has been consumed, according to some Poskim it is still
forbidden to remove the second item, rather the item that is currently
desired must be taken. (Ruling of HaRav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal quoted in Sefer Hilchos Shabbos of Rav Shimon Eider Zatzal, Hilchos Borer footnote148.)
2)Other Poskim, however, rule
that in the above case, both items are considered being eaten
immediately, and thus it would be permitted to remove the second item
from the first. (Ruling of Maran HaRav Yosef shalom Elyashiv
shlita quoted in Sefer Ayil Meshulash Perek 6:14. See also Shmiras
Shabbos K’Hilchasa Perek 3:65)
For Halacha L’ma’aseh, of course, each person must consult their own Rav.
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) As we learned, the
prohibition of Borer applies only when the two (or more) items in
question are in a mixture. We will now discuss what criteria are
necessary to constitute a mixture.
A serving tray that has on it
pieces of two different fish (or even the same species of fish, but some
are cooked and some are broiled, which for borer purposes is
considered two different types) that are laying haphazardly in no
organized fashion, is subject to the prohibition of Borer. This is
considered a Ta’aruvos, a mixture, even though each variety is clearly
discernible.
Thus, one may choose and remove only the fish that they want to eat, for immediate consumption. (See Rama Siman 319:3)
2) A plate that has on it a few
different foods, each in its own spot on the plate in an organized
fashion, according to many Poskim is not considered a Ta’aruvos, a
mixture, even if they are touching one another, and thus would not be
subject to the prohibitions of Borer.
For a final ruling, of course, a Rav must be consulted.
For a final ruling, of course, a Rav must be consulted.
Halachos for Sunday, Januarry 2, 2011
1) After the Shabbos meal, when clearing off the table,
it is permissible to remove all the glasses, then all the plates, then all the
silverware etc. and doing it is such an order is not a problem of Borer as
these utensils are not considered to be in a mixture.(Ruling of Rav Nisim
Karelitz Shlita quoted in Orchos Shabbos page 132 footnote 10)
2) A plate that has on it leftover food as well as
silverware touching the food is not considered a mixture as they are totally
distinct objects, and the silverware may be removed even if they are not going
to be used immediately.
The exception to the above is if the silverware is
totally covered by the leftover food in which case it will indeed be considered
a mixture and may not be removed unless it's for immediate use.(Ruling of
Rav Nisim Karelitz Shlita quoted in Orchos Shabbos page 133 footnote 12)
If indeed this situation presents itself, it would be
permitted to pick up the utensil and use it to move the leftover food into the
garbage, even if the assistance of the utensil was neither necessary nor
originally planned upon (ibid. footnote 13)
Likewise, a utensil that fell into the garbage, and is
totally covered may not be removed unless it will immediately be and used. (ibid.)
Halachos for Monday, January 3, 2011
1) Various different sized and shaped pots, bottles and
other food containers that are organized on a shelf in the refrigerator next to
one another are not considered "in a mixture" and there is no
prohibition to separate them.
If, however, the containers on the shelf are all of
similar shape and size (e.g. a few 2 liter bottles of different flavored soft
drinks) they may indeed be considered "in a mixture" and they
shouldn't be sorted unless it is for immediate consumption.
The above is only if they are on the shelf, but if they
are on the refrigerator door in a row, it is not considered "in a
mixture" and may be separated. (Ruling of Rav Shlomo Zalmen
Auerbach Zatzal in Sefer Me'Or Hashabbos Vol. 1 letter 8)
2) If the items in the refrigerator on not organized and
are all laying haphazardly on top of each other (e.g. different fruits in the
refrigerator drawer or various different cheeses in the dairy drawer) they are
indeed "in a mixture" and thus may only be removed in the permissible
manner.
Halachos for Tuesday, January 4, 2011
1) It is very common for items in a freezer to be stored
in a less organized fashion than in the refrigerator, and very often many foods
are lying on top of each other haphazardly.
These foods are considered "in a mixture" and
thus if something needs to be removed, it must be done in the acceptable manner
(i.e. taking the item that is wanted, for immediate use without a utensil)
2) If the food that is removed from the freezer cannot be
used immediately due its needing to defrost first, it is questionable if it may
be removed.
Some Poskim maintain that since it cannot be used right
away it may therefore not be removed from "within the mixture" in the
freezer. (Ruling of Maran Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Shlita and Rav
Nissim Karelitz Shlita quoted in Orchos Shabbos page 148 footnote 54)
Other Poskim, however, maintain that if it is common to
only remove this particular food from the freezer and allow it to defrost right
before the meal, then it may be removed, and is considered using it immediately
even though it will take a while to defrost. (Ruling of Rav Shlomo
Zalmen Auerbach; ibid.)
However, if the food in question is commonly removed a
few hours before the meal, all agree that it may not be removed from
"within the mixture" in the freezer on Shabbos. (ibid.)
[Parenthetically, it is important to be careful with frozen
foods as many of them are Muktzah (e.g. frozen raw fish, frozen raw French
fries etc.) and moving them to get to the permissible items (e.g. a frozen
Challah or ice cream) may pose a Halachic problem. We shall discuss this
B'Ezras Hashem more at length when we learn Hilchos Muktzah]
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
1) Seforim or books that are neatly lined on a shelf,
in a way that each one is easily recognizable, are not considered
"in a mixture" and thus any one may be removed from the shelf even if
there is no intent to use that Sefer immediately.
However, if the books are laying on the shelf in an
unorganized fashion, and the titles are not easily discernable and they are
otherwise not recognizable, they may indeed be considered "a
mixture" and be subject to the prohibition of Borer, and according to many
Poskim may only be removed if all the criteria of permissible Borer are
present. (See Orchos Shabbos page 134 footnote 17 )
2) If a pile of Seforim or books are lying on a pile on
the table, it is considered "in a mixture" even if they are easily discernable
(as this is inherently a mixture, unlike when they are on the shelf), and thus
they should not be sorted into piles nor should a Sefer be pulled out of the
pile unless it is being used immediately. (See Rama Siman 319:3)
If one must remove a Sefer from an unorganized bookshelf
or from a pile on the table on Friday night for use on Shabbos day, the best
thing to do is to learn something from it immediately for a moment and thus it
will have been a Borer for immediate use which is permitted.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
1) A solid that is large enough to be distinctly
recognizable when submerged in a liquid, according to many Poskim, is not
considered to be "in a mixture" and thus the unwanted liquid may be
removed or poured off in order to get to the solid.
Some examples of this: a) A pot of hard boiled eggs in
water, where the water may be spilled out in order to reach the eggs. b) A jar
of pickles in brine, where the pickle juice may be spilled out in order to
reach the pickles. c) A pitcher of water that contains slices of lemon may be
poured even if the spout of the pitcher will prevent the lemons from leaving
the pitcher. (Some Poskim are stringent even in the aforementioned cases
and a Rav should be consulted for Halacha L'ma'aseh. See K'tzos HaShulchan
125:14 and Shu"t Az Nidberu Vol. 4 Siman 21)
2) A large quantity of olives (or similar small item)
that are submerged in a pitcher of water is considered to be "in a
mixture" and thus the water may not be poured off in order to get to the
olives.
Likewise, a slotted spoon may not be used to retrieve the
olives from within the water, and surely a sieve may not be used to do this.
A single olive, however, that is in a pitcher of liquid
is not considered "in a mixture" and may be removed even with a
utensil and even if not being eaten immediately.
Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh, January 7, 2011
Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh
1) It is very common when opening a can of vegetables,
tuna fish or sardines, or similar items that come in a sealed can, to drain the
liquid from the can before removing the food.
This is forbidden to do on Shabbos as removing the liquid
(which is P'soles, the unwanted item) from the food (the Ochel,
the desired item) is a classic example of prohibited Borer.
2) Very often when opening a cup of yogurt or leben, a
small layer of water is present on the top and is intertwined into the
yogurt/leben. This water is usually stirred into the yogurt/ leben or,
alternatively, is spilled out.
If the water and the leben/yogurt are already joining
with one another, it is considered "a mixture" and the water may not
be spilled out on Shabbos, as doing so is a prohibited Borer. If the
yogurt/leben is solid and the water on top is not seeping into the
leben/yogurt, then it may be spilled out.
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) A fly, or another unwanted small item, that fell into
a drink may not be removed by itself; rather it must be removed together with
some of the liquid from the cup. (See Mishna Berura Siman 319:61. We
shall B'Ezras Hashem discuss this Halacha of taking some of the good with the
bad in more detail in the days ahead)
2) A pot of soup that contains in it pieces of chicken,
vegetables and other items is divided into two categories as follows:
a) The top layer of the pot which contains only liquid is
not considered "in a mixture" and the liquid may be poured out or
otherwise removed from there even if it is being removed in order to get to the
other items in the pot.
b) The bottom half of the pot, where all the chicken,
vegetables etc. is laying is considered "in a mixture" and thus
the soup and/or the other items may only be removed if all the criteria of
permissible Borer are present (i.e. the good is taken from the bad, for
immediate use and it is done without specialized utensils).
Sunday, January 9, 2011
1)In order for the prohibition of Borer to be in effect,
the two items that are being sorted must be different, but if the two items are
the same albeit in different sizes or shapes, there is no prohibition of Borer
as it isn't considered "in a mixture". (Rama Siman 319:3)
Moreover, when the items being separated are deemed
"one and the same" they may even be separated using a utensil and
even if being sorted for use at a later time, as the prohibitions of Borer do
not apply at all in such a case. (See Mishna Berura Siman 319:58)
We will now discuss some common examples and determine
whether they are considered "different items" from one another or if
they are considered "one and the same".
2) A plate containing various parts of a chicken (e.g.
thighs, wings, drumsticks etc.) according to some Poskim is not considered
"in a mixture" as it is all considered one item, and thus may be
sorted and separated as desired. (Ruling of Maran Rav Yosef Shalom
Elyashiv Shlita quoted in Sefer Ayil Meshulash Perek 3)
Other Poskim disagree and maintain that these different
parts of a chicken are considered different items and thus all the Halachos of
Borer apply to them. (Ruling of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal
quoted in Sefer Me'Or HaShabbos Vol. 3 letter 40:3)
All agree, however, that if some of the pieces of chicken
are cooked and some are broiled, [or if they are otherwise different beyond
them just being different parts of a chicken] that they are deemed
"different" and considered "in a mixture" and may only be
separated in the permissible manner. (See Mishna Berura Siman 319:15)
Monday, January 10, 2011
1)The Poskim debate whether a mixture of tart
apples and sweet apples is considered "in a mixture" and thus subject
to the criteria of Borer or if they are all considered one item and thus may be
separated as desired. (See Mishna Berura Siman 319:15)
The reason that these apples may differ from a
mixture of cooked and broiled chicken, which we learned are considered two
different items, is because "cooked and broiled" are considered 2
different entities, whereas "tart and sweet" are just different
tastes of the same entity. (Ruling of Rav Shmuel Auerbach Shlita,
quoted in Orchos Shabbos page 139 footnote 31)
2)A box of Matzos that contains in it whole matzos as
well as cracked ones and one is trying to choose from the box whole matzos for
use as Lechem Mishna, according to some Poskim it is considered "in a
mixture" and may only be separated as per the permissible criteria of
Borer. (Ruling of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal quoted in Orchos
Shabbos page 140 footnote 32)
Other Poskim maintain that even though the whole Matzos
are desired, it is still considered one item and no problems of Borer apply. (Ruling
of Maran Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Shlita; ibid footnote 33)
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
1)Water which is palatable to most people without any
additional filtering, may be filtered on Shabbos even if a pitcher or another
specially designed utensil for this purpose is utilized.
Likewise, a faucet with a built in filter may be used on
Shabbos, provided that the water is palatable to most people from the tap sans
the filter. (Obviously, if the mechanism in question is electric it may not be
used on Shabbos at all)
The reason this is permitted is because since most people
would drink the water even without the filtering, we consider it as if there is
nothing at all mixed into the water and thus it isn't subject to Borer.(See
Rama Siman 319:10)
2)However, a person who is extremely sensitive and will neverdrink
unfiltered tap water, for that person, according to many Poskim, it is indeed
prohibited to filter the water on Shabbos.(Based on the Pri Megadim quoted
in the Biur Halacha Siman 319:10 Dibur Hamaschil Hoi'yel U'reUyin. This is also
how Maran Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Shlita and Rav Shmuel Wosner shlita rule.)
Other Poskim maintain that even such a person may filter
the water on Shabbos as to determine if something is a mixture we look at how
most people perceive it and not how any one individual perceives it. (Ruling
of Rav Nissim Karelitz Shlita quoted in Orchos Shabbos page 141, footnote 38)
For Halacha L'ma'aseh, of course, a Rav must be
consulted.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
1) Fruits and vegetables which are eaten by most people
with their peels on (e.g. pears, apples) may be peeled on Shabbos even if
they will not be eaten immediately.
However, if a particular individual is sensitive and will
never eat this fruit or vegetable with its peel, according to many Poskim
he/she may not peel this fruit or vegetable unless it's for immediate
consumption. (Similar to the ruling of those Poskim that prohibit
filtering otherwise palatable water for an individual who never drinks it
without filtering)
Fruits and vegetables which are usually peeled by most
people before eating (e.g. carrots, garlic etc.) may only be peeled for
immediate consumption. (See Mishna Berura Siman 321:84. See also
Shu"t Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 74; Borer:8)
2) Regarding the use of specialized peeler on Shabbos,
many Poskim, including Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal, allow it as they consider it
as a regular knife, while other Poskim prohibit it as they consider it a
specialized utensil, and only allow peeling with a regular knife.(See
Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchasa Perek 4:10 and footnote 27 where he quotes Rav
Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal as allowing it on Yom Tov but not on Shabbos. See
also Sefer Shvisas HaShabbos; Borer: 24)
Each individual should consult their Rav for Halacha
L'ma'aseh.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
1) A food item that is cooked or fried and has in it
excess oil or another liquid, may be squeezed to remove that liquid, and it is
not a prohibition of Borer, provided that there isn't so much oil in it that
most people would not eat it in its current state. (Shulchan Aruch
Siman 320:7)
However, for a sensitive person who absolutely will not
eat this item unless it is squeezed out, even though most other people would
eat it, it is indeed considered Borer and he/she may not squeeze it out on
Shabbos.
2)A plate that has on it various different leftovers,
some liquid and some solid, may be spilled into the sink, even though the
liquid will go down the drain and the solids will be caught by the sink
strainer, as since all the leftovers are waste it is all considered one item
and not "in a mixture".
Furthermore, the action of spilling all the waste
into the sink is for disposal purposes and not for the purpose of separating
one item from the other and thus is not an action of Borer. (See
Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchasa Perek 12 footnote 47 quoting Rav Shlomo Zalmen
Auerbach Zatzal. See also Chazon Ish Siman 53 Dibur Hamaschil U'Linyan Barza)
Erev Shabbos Kodesh, January 14, 2011
Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh
1) The prohibition of Borer only applies when there is a
mixture and an "item not wanted" is being removed from within
the mixture.
However, if the item is not removed and is simply moved
from one place in the mixture to another place in the mixture, but all the
items remain "in the mixture", it is permitted. (See Sefer
Shvisas HaShabbos; Borer S"K 34)
2) Thus, for example, if one has a ring of keys and is
trying to locate a specific key on the ring, it would be permitted to move the
other keys to the side until the key needed is located, provided they all
remain on the ring throughout.
Of course, if the unwanted keys are removed from the ring
in order to locate the desired key, it is prohibited.
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) The cards in an index card box or a Rolodex that
contains in it many cards with information on each card may be moved out of the
way in order to find a specific card that is needed, as since all the cards
remain in the box it isn't considered "removed from the mixture"
Likewise, a single card that was out of the box may be
replaced into its proper place even if this will require moving and shuffling
the other cards to find the correct location for the card that is now being
replaced.
2) If, however, a card is being removed from
the card box, it may only be done for immediate use.
It is commonplace in Shuls to have index card boxes
containing cards, in alphabetical order, for each member with their names and
other pertinent information printed on the card.
A Gabbai in a Shul may remove the cards containing the
names of the people to whom he would like to call to the Torah for an Aliyah,
provided this is done immediately before the beginning of the Tefilah.
The cards may not be removed on Friday night in preparation
for the Aliyos on Shabbos morning.
After Krias HaTorah, when the Gabbai has a pile of cards
of all those that received Aliyos, he may not return each card to its proper
place as the pile is now considered "a mixture" and sorting
them and replacing them would be considered Borer for use at a later time which
is prohibited.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
1) A pile of silverware (forks, spoons and knives) that
are all mixed together may not be sorted unless being done so close to the time
of the meal where they will be used.
Likewise, eggs and vegetables may only be peeled very
close to the meal.
2)When separating the silverware or peeling the eggs or
vegetables, it isn't necessary to determine the exact amount that will be used
at the meal and only sort or peel that amount; rather a generous amount may be
prepared even if doing so will probably end up with some of them not being used
at the meal.
However, this may not be done if one's distinct intention
is to sort or peel enough to have for a subsequent meal as well as the current
meal.
Monday, January 17, 2011
1) As we learned, one of the criteria for permissible
Bore is if it is done very close to the beginning of the meal.
A situation that often is arises is when one is expecting
guests for the meal, and being that one isn't sure when exactly the guests will
arrive, it is difficult to determine when the meal will begin and thus when one
would be allowed to start doing a permissible Borer.
The Poskim say that in such a case it is permissible to
begin preparing close to the earliest possible time that the guests can arrive.
Thus, for example, if the guests can arrive anytime
between 10:45 am and 12:00 pm, the preparations can begin a bit before 10:45
am, and this food is 100% permissible to eat even if they indeed arrive, and
the meal only begins, at 12:00 pm. (Orchos Shabbos Hilchos Borer Perek
3:52)
2) If one has a pile of Seforim, it is permissible to
remove all the Seforim that are needed for immediate use from within the pile.
The definition of "For immediate use" over here
means that they will be used within the current learning session, even if the
duration of the session will be for a long period of time.
Thus, when one arrives in Shul on Shabbos morning for
davening, he may remove a Chumash from within a pile of Seforim, even though it
won't be used until the time of Krias HaTorah, which can be almost two hours
later, as the entire duration of davening is considered " a single
session". (ibid.)
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
1) If one removes an item from a mixture for the purposes
of giving it to someone else (e.g. removing an apple from a bowl of fruit for
the purposes of giving to guest to take along with him after the meal [within
an Eruv of course]), there is a debate amongst the Poskim if this is considered
a permissible Borer.
2) According to some Poskim, being that this item is not
going to be used immediately, it is prohibited. (See Ohr Sameach on
Rambam Hilchos Shabbos Perek 23:16. This is also the ruling of Maran Rav Yosef
Shalom Elyashiv Shlita, quoted in Sefer Orchos Shabbos page 148 footnote 52)
Other Poskim, however, rule that as far as the person
removing it from the mixture, his need for this item is for the purpose of
giving it to the other person and not for the purpose of using it, and thus it
is considered for "immediate use" (i.e.to give to the other person
immediately), and it's irrelevant when the other person actually uses it. (Ruling
of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal, ibid. footnote 53)
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
1) One who did Borer with the intention of using the item
immediately and after the item was removed from the mixture, he/she got busy
with something else and didn't end up using it [or even deliberately decided
after it was done that they would rather save this item for a later time], has
not transgressed the Melacha of Borer, as the intention at the time of doing it
was to use it immediately which is permissible.
However, according to some Poskim, it is praiseworthy to
avoid this and indeed still try and use it immediately. (See Sha'ar
HaTziyun Siman 319:5 quoting the Pri Megadim. Seemingly the Sha'ar HaTziyun
does not concur with the Pri Megadim and seems to maintain that there
is no need to try and use it now, as once it was done permissibly, it is no
longer subject to prohibition of Borer)
2) Conversely, if one transgressed the Melacha of Borer
by removing an item from a mixture with intent to use it later on, if he/she
ended up using it immediately it does not remedy the transgression, as at the
time of the Borer it was in an prohibited manner. (Orchos Shabbos page
150 footnote 57)
Thursday, January 20, 2011
1) The prohibition of Borer only applies during the
process of preparing the food for consumption, but does not apply to when the
food is actually being consumed.
Thus, if one is eating or drinking and senses that within
the mouthful of food/drink there is a foreign substance that must be removed
(e.g. a hair, a pebble or an egg shell) it is permitted to remove this waste
and it is not an issue of Borer. (See Chazon Ish Siman 54:1)
This is the best Halachic option for removing watermelon
pits, fish bones and similar items which are difficult to remove in a
halachically permissible manner before eating; once they are in the mouth they
may be removed L'Chatchilah. (See Chazon Ish 54:4)
2)If one has a drink which contains in it unwanted
particles (e.g. sediment in wine or pulp in orange juice, or even insects) it
is permitted to put a piece of material over the cup and drink through the
material and thus keep the particles away, and this is not an issue of Borer. (Shulchan
Aruch Siman 319:16)
The above may only be done during the actual eating or
drinking, and not while holding the food/drink in their hand and about to be
consume it, as doing it then, even though one may say "I am already in
middle of drinking", is a transgression of Borer.(Chazon Ish ibid. See
Biur Halacha Siman 319:4 Dibur Hamaschil HaBorer P'Soles for a more detailed
discussion about this)
Erev Shabbos Kodesh, January 21, 2011
Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh
1) One who is holding a drink and floating in it is a
foreign matter which he would like to remove [and the drink will then be
consumed immediately], is a matter of discussion amongst the Poskim if by
pouring out the foreign matter it is considered separating the bad from the
good (P'soles M'Toch Ochel) which is prohibited, or is it considered separating
the good from the bad (Ochel M'Toch P'soles) being that you are left holding
the "good" in your hand, and thus permitted.
2)Most Poskim rule stringently and thus do not allow the
foreign matter to be spilled out (unless some of the drink will be spilled out
with it, a Halacha we will discuss more at length next week B'Ezras Hashem). (See
Mogen Avraham Siman 319:15 and Mishna Berura Siman 319:55. See also
Sefer Shvisas HaShabbos, Maleches Borer S"K 36. The Shulchan Aruch HaRav
in his Siddur rules leniently in this matter. Each individual, as always, must
consult their own Rav for Halacha L'ma'aseh)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) A utensil that has in it tea essence as well as tea
leaves may pose a problem of Borer, depending on the makeup of the mixture, as
follows:
If all the leaves are at the bottom of the utensil, it
isn't considered "in a mixture" and it is permitted to pour out some
of the tea essence even if it isn't being done for immediate consumption.
If, however, there is very little essence left and thus
the liquid and the leaves are considered "in a mixture" (or even if
the utensil is full, but the leaves are floating around throughout the utensil
and are not sitting at the bottom) it would only be permitted to pour out
the essence if being done for immediate consumption.
2) If on top of the utensil with the tea essence there is
a strainer or something else which prevents the leaves from leaving the utensil
and only allows the liquid out, if what is in the utensil is deemed "in a
mixture", according to some Poskim it would be prohibited to remove any of
the essence as the strainer would be considered a specialized utensil in which
case Borer is prohibited even when removing the good from the bad. (See
Kaf HaChaim Siman 319:113)
Other Poskim, however, maintain that this strainer is not
considered a specialized utensil, and allow the essence to be removed from the
mixture for immediate use. (SeeChazon Ish Siman 53 Dibur Hamaschil Min
Ha'Amur. Rav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita in the back of his Sefer Ta'ama D'Kra where
he brings many Minhagim of the Chazon Ish that he heard/saw personally, in Os
41 writes that in the home of the Chazon Ish they indeed used such a strainer
with the tea essence for immediate use even when the contents of the utensil
were deemed "in a mixture")
Sunday, January 23, 2011
1) There is a debate amongst the Poskim if the
prohibition of Borer exists only when removing P'soles, the unwanted item from
within a mixture by itself or if the prohibition exists even when removing some
of the Ochel, the desired item, along with the unwanted item.
The Mishna Berura (Siman 504:20 and in the Biur
Halacha Siman 319:4 Dibur Hamaschil HaBorer) rules that anytime some of
the Ochel, the desired item, is removed together with the P'soles, the unwanted
item, the prohibition of Borer falls away. Most contemporary Poskim follow this
ruling.
The Chazon Ish (Siman 53) maintains that
even when a little bit of the Ochel is removed together with the P'soles it
still is prohibited Borer.
2) When a large quantity of the Ochel is removed along
with the P'soles, even the Chazon Ish will agree that it is permitted, as in
this case we don't see it as the P'soles being removed from the mixture; rather
we see it as the mixture itself being divided in half.
Tomorrow, B'Ezras Hashem, we will examine some common
examples of the aforementioned Halacha.
Monday, January 24, 2011
1) We learned yesterday that according to most Poskim
including the Mishna Berura (Siman 504:20 and in the Biur Halacha
Siman 319:4 Dibur Hamaschil HaBorer) , any time some of the Ochel, the
desired item, is removed together with the P'soles, the unwanted item, the
prohibition of Borer falls away.
Some Poskim follow the ruling of the Chazon Ish (Siman
53) and maintain that removing a little of the Ochel along with the
P'soles does not help, and the prohibition of Borer remains.
We will now examine some common examples of this Halacha.
2) A lemon pit that fell into a salad may not be removed
as doing so is removing the P'soles from the Ochel.
If it is removed together with a little bit of the salad,
according to the Mishna Berura it is permissible and according to the Chazon
Ish it is still prohibited.
A fly that fell into a beverage may be removed from the
cup , according to the Mishna Berura, if some of the beverage is removed
along with it.
In the event that one pours the fly along with a large
quantity of the beverage into a second cup, this would be permitted even
according to the Chazon Ish as we don't look at this as removing the fly from
the beverage, rather we see it as splitting the beverage into two halves, and
thus not a matter of Borer.
We will discuss some more examples of this Halacha over
the next few days, B'Ezras Hashem
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
1) One who is eating a piece of chicken or fish and
chances upon a bone and wants to remove it, according to the Mishna Berura he
can simply remove the bone along with a little bit of the chicken or fish, and
thus avoid any Borer problems.
According to the Chazon Ish, removing the bone with a
little bit of the chicken or fish will not help and it will still be a problem
of Borer.
2) A permissible option, even according to the Chazon
Ish, is to remove the bone and suck off some of the marrow or other liquid that
is on it, and thus we will deem this action as a part of the eating process and
not as a prohibited Borer. (This option is also found in the Biur
Halacha Siman 319:4 end of Dibur Hamaschil M'Toch Ochel, in regard to bones
that no longer have meat on them and one wants to remove them from his plate.)
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
1)It is very common, when purchasing Challos or rolls of
cake from a bakery, that they come with a label stuck to them indicating a
Hechsher, a variety, or other certification or information about the
item.
To remove this label, which is placed on the Challah or
cake before being baked and is baked along with it, and is thus considered
"in a mixture", is a prohibition of Borer.
If a piece of the Challah is removed along with the label
it would be permitted.
In this case, even the Chazon Ish would agree that
removing a piece of Challah along with the label is permitted, as the label is
not "in a mixture" with the entire Challah, rather it is only mixed
together with the immediate area of Challah that it rests upon, and being that
the entire surface is removed, it is considered like the entire mixture was
removed and that isn't Borer.
2) Wax paper which is commonly used under baked items to
keep them from sticking to the pan, may be removed from under the baked items,
as the baked items and the wax paper are distinctly separate items and nobody
considers them "in a mixture".
However, in a situation where when removing the wax paper
some of the paper gets stuck to the baked items (common when cookies or cake
are over baked) indeed some Poskim consider it "in a mixture" and
require removing some of the baked item along with the paper when removing it
from the bottom of the baked item.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
1) If one is eating a food and part of the food is
ruined (e.g. an otherwise fresh apple that has a small area that is rotting, or
a cookie where part of it was burnt) to the point that it is inedible or
only edible B'Sha'as Hadchak, in extreme circumstances, that area of the apple
may not be cut off from the apple, as doing so would be removing P'Soles from
Ochel and be a prohibited Borer.(See Mogen Avrohom Siman 319:5. If it is
totally inedible it will be a biblical Borer, whereas if it's not totally
inedible it will be a rabbinical Borer which is still prohibited, but wouldn't
mandate a Korban Chatos if transgressed.)
If a good piece of the apple is removed along with the
rotting part, according to the Mishna Berura it would be permitted, and
according to the Chazon ish it would still be a problem of Borer(As we
learned a few days ago)
An acceptable alternative, even according to the Chazon
Ish, would be to cut the entire apple into slices and then not eat the slice
containing the rotting part, as doing so is not considered separating, rather
it's considered dividing the apple into pieces, which is permissible.
2) If the piece being removed is edible for most people
and this particular individual wants to remove it because it's not as fresh
looking as the rest of the apple, it is permitted to be removed as it isn't
considered P'Soles. (Mogen Avrohom ibid.)
Erev Shabbos Kodesh, January 28 , 2011
Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh
1) If one has a basket of apples that contains in it one
apple that is rotten to the point that it isn't edible, or is only edible
B'Sha'as Hadchak, in extreme circumstances, that apple is considered P'soles
and may not be removed from the basket.
2) If the apple in question is half rotten and half
edible, if the edible part will be eaten immediately it may be removed, even if
the "real" purpose and intent of doing this is to have the rotten
part removed from the mixture.
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) It is prohibited to separate moldy inedible lettuce
leaves from fresh edible leaves.
If, however, it isn't moldy to the point of being
inedible, rather some of the leaves are simply a little dried out, they may be
removed.
2) It is permitted, right before the time of eating, to
remove the outer, inedible leaves of a head of lettuce or cabbage in
order to reach the inner edible leaves, as this outer layer is deemed like the
peel of a fruit which may be peeled, as we will discuss B'Ezras Hashem in a few
days. (See Biur Halacha Siman 319:1 Dibur Hamaschil Min Ha'Alin)
If, however, the inner leaves can easily be reached
without removing the outer leaves, it is best to remove the inner leaves only.
Sunday, January 30,
2011
1) As we learned earlier, one of the necessary criteria
in order to have a permissible Borer is for it not to be done with a Kli,
a utensil.
Thus, if a utensil is used, even if it is done
immediately before the meal and even if the good is separated from the bad, it
is still prohibited. The reason for this is that when a utensil is used it is
deemed Derech Borer, " the way of sorting" rather than Derech
Achila" the normal way of eating" (See Mishna Berura in his
introduction to Siman 319)
2) There are three varieties of utensils:
a) A utensil which is designated for sorting; utilizing
such a utensil is a biblical prohibition.
b) A utensil which isn't designated for sorting;
utilizing such a utensil is a rabbinical prohibition.
c) A utensil which is used to aid with eating; utilizing
such a utensil is not prohibited, as in regards to Hilchos Borer it is seen as
an extension of one's hand for eating purposes and not seen as a utensil for
sorting purposes.
Over the next few days we shall B'Ezras Hashem discuss
various common utensils and situations and determine under which of the
aforementioned categories each utensil is classified.
Monday, January 31, 2011
1) A strainer is a utensil whose express purpose is to
separate unwanted items from wanted items in a mixture, and is thus biblically
forbidden to use on Shabbos even if taking the good from the bad and even if
being done immediately before the meal.
Thus, for example, orange juice that contains pulp may
not be poured through a strainer in order to separate the pulp from the juice.
Another common example is a pot of soup that contains
vegetables, where one wants to separate the liquid from the vegetables; a
strainer may not be utilized to do this.
2) A slotted spoon, which is designed to remove solid
part of a food from a pot/bowl and have the majority of the liquid part fall
back into the pot/bowl (e.g. removing noodles from soup, while the soup falls
back into the pot, or removing Cole slaw from a bowl, where the liquid drips
back into the bowl) may not be used on Shabbos, according to all Poskim, if
being used for its intended purpose.
According to some Poskim, if the slotted spoon is being
used as a convenience (i.e. no other spoon is available) just to remove food
from a pot without the intention of having the liquid fall back into the pot
and without stopping and holding the spoon in place over the pot so that the
liquid can drip back into the pot, then it is not considered "Derech
Borer, a manner of separating" and is permitted, even if some of the
liquid happens to fall back into the pot. (See Shmiras Shabbos
K'Hilchasa Perek 3:54)
Other Poskim, however, maintain that a slotted
spoon may never be used on Shabbos with a mixture that contains in it liquid,
even if there is no intent to separate the liquid from the solid. (See
Sefer Ayil Meshulash page 100)
For Halacha L'ma'aseh, as always, each individual
must consult their own Rav.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
1) A common method of removing some liquid (e.g. soup)
from a pot without removing the solid items (e.g. the vegetables in the soup)
is to place the cover of the pot almost totally on the pot and to tilt the pot
and allow the liquid to escape via the small opening formed by the cover being
a little bit off the pot.
Is doing this on Shabbos considered Borer with a utensil?
Some Poskim prohibit this method even if being done
immediately before the meal as they rule that indeed it is Borer with a
utensil. (Ruling of Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal and YBL"C Maran
Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Shlita quoted in Sefer Orchos Shabbos Perek 3
footnotes 82 and 83)
Other Poskim, however, allow this if being done
immediately before the meal, as they don't consider this a utensil, rather they
look at the cover as an extension of one's hand as the cover is only being
utilized the protect the hands from the messy and/or hot liquid. (Ruling
of Rav Shmuel Auerbach Shlita, ibid.)
2) The same reasoning would apply when using a ladle to
remove solids from within a pot containing a mixture of solids and liquid where
the ladle is tilted in such a way to only remove the solids while the liquid is
left to flow back into the pot, where some Poskim would consider this Borer
with a utensil and others would consider the ladle an extension of the hand.
For Halacha L'ma'aseh, of course, each individual must
consult their own Rav.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
1) Very often, salt in a salt shaker becomes clumpy due
to the moisture present in the air and thus becomes hard to use as it doesn't
flow out freely.
A common remedy for this is to place a few grains of raw
rice in the salt shaker; the rice absorbs the moisture and thus allows the salt
to remain dry and flow freely.
When using the aforementioned salt shaker, the cover with
the small holes allows the salt to come out while not allowing the rice grains,
which are larger, to come out.
The question is if this is a problem of Borer on
Shabbos?
2) According to some Poskim this is considered Borer with
a utensil and they thus prohibit using such a salt shaker on Shabbos. (Ruling
of Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal and Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal quoted in
Orchos Shabbos page 162 footnote 95)
Other Poskim, however, permit its use, providing that it
is being done immediately before eating the food. (Ruling of Maran Rav
Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Shlita and others. See Orchos Shabbos ibid. footnote 94
for the reasoning behind this ruling)
For Halacha L'ma'aseh, of course, each individual must
consult their own Rav.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
1) It is permitted to use a fork or a spoon to remove the
"wanted item" from the "unwanted item" from within a
mixture, for immediate consumption.
The reason for this is that the fork or spoon is not
deemed as a "utensil" being used to separate the two items, rather it
is considered an "extension of one's hand" and is only being used to
assist the hand with grasping the item or preventing the hand from getting wet
or soiled. (See Mishna Berura Siman 319: 66. See also Igros Moshe
Orach Chaim Vol. 1 Siman 124 that this holds true only if the reason the
fork or spoon is being used is to prevent soiling the hands or similar, but if
indeed the fork, spoon or knife is being used to ease the separation of two
items, it will indeed be prohibited. See Sefer Orchos Shabbos page 163 footnote
98 at length.)
2) It is permitted to use a nutcracker on Shabbos.
This holds true even according to those Poskim that
prohibit the use of a vegetable peeler on Shabbos (as we discussed
earlier in theHalachos for Wednesday January 12 2011) as the
nutcracker doesn't separate the shell from the nut; rather it simply breaks the
shell, and once the shell is broken it is now possible to remove the nut by
hand from the mixture.
Erev Shabbos Kodesh, February 4, 2011
Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh
1) In many Jewish households there is a custom on Shabbos
morning to eat egg salad with onions, a dish referred to in Yiddish as "Eier
Mit Tzvibel". (See Likutei MaHarich beginning of Seudas
Shacharis D'Shabbos. See also Sefer Otzar HaShabbos page 181 for more about
this minhag)
It is important when preparing this dish that no
prohibitions of Borer are transgressed Chas V'Shalom.
Thus, the eggs as well as the onions may only be peeled
immediately before the meal.
2) The skin of a cooked piece of chicken, according to
some Poskim, is considered as a separate part from the chicken itself and
thus may only be removed immediately prior to eating it.
Other Poskim, however, rule that since the skin is edible
and indeed many people eat it, it is considered one and the same as the chicken
itself and thus may be removed even not immediately prior to eating it. (See
Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 74; Borer: 8)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) After peeling an orange, there is often a white
covering left on top of the fruit (the name for this white stuff is pith, and
it contains a lot of fiber and is healthy to eat).
May this pith be removed?
If the pith is totally covering the entire surface of the
orange, then it is no different than the peel which prevents one from reaching
the fruit, and thus may be removed.
If the pith is all but gone, and only a small amount
remains which most people eat and do not remove, it is deemed part of the
fruit and not subject to Borer.
If a decent amount of the pith remains it is deemed like
the seeds of the fruit which according to the Mishna Berura (Siman
321: 84) may be removed during the actual eating of the fruit.
According to the Chazon Ish (Orach Chaim Siman
54: 5), however, seeds, and thus this pith as well, are forbidden to be
removed.
2) The same rules detailed above regarding the pith on an
orange apply to the strings that remain on a banana after peeling it (These
strings are called Phloem Bundles, and yes, they are also laden with nutrients
and are healthy to eat).
(We shall B'Ezras Hashem discuss pits in
fruit and the reasoning behind the above Machlokes between the
Chazon Ish and Mishna Berura, more in detail next week)
1) A fruit, such as a peach, prune or apricot, that has in
it a large pit is a subject of debate amongst the Poskim as to the
permissibility of removing the pit.
The Mishna Berura (Siman 321 S”K 84) rules that while
holding and eating the fruit, the pit may be removed, and possibly even for
consumption during that meal it would even be permitted ,as removing this pit
before consuming the fruit is the normal
"way of eating "and
thus not considered the "way
of separating".
The Chazon Ish (Siman 54:5), however, maintains that it is
forbidden to remove this pit, as doing so is removing the "P'soles"
from the "Ochel".
Rather, the fruit should be eaten, and when the pit is
reached it should be grasped with a hand and then the fruit should be bitten
and pulled away from the pit, and thus it will be that the "Ochel" is
being removed from the "P'soles" which is permitted immediately prior
to eating.
2) The above Halacha applies as well when one is cutting up
an apple and wants to remove the seeds; according to the Mishna Berura it would
be permissible if being done while holding and eating the fruit and according
to the Chazon Ish one would have to eat around the seeds or spit them out after
they entered the mouth.
3) When cutting open a cantaloupe, honey dew or similar
melon, it is permitted to cut it in half, turn over each half of the melon and
spill out the seeds and their liquid.
Furthermore, it is permitted to use a spoon to scrape out
the remaining seeds and liquid that do not fall out on their own when being
turned over, as these seeds are considered like the peel of a fruit which until
removed prevent the fruit from being eaten. (See Orchos Shabbos page 170
footnote 115)
4) If the melon is then cut into quarters or eights, as is
commonly done to serve as an appetizer at a meal, the outer peel can be separated
from the fruit by holding onto the melon with one hand and cutting between the
fruit and the outer peel with the other hand, and thus it will considered
removing the Ochel from the P'soles.
Obviously, this is only permitted immediately before the meal,
as otherwise even Ochel from P'soles is prohibited, as we learned.
5) Many fruits and vegetables (e.g. cherries, apples,
tomatoes etc.) often have their stems attached to them when purchased, and are
only removed by the consumer before being consumed.
The status of these stems in regards to Borer is similar to
the pits, and would depend on the Machlokes between the Mishna Berura and the
Chazon Ish which we described earlier.
Thus, according to the Mishna Berura the stems may be
removed when the fruits are being held in the hand during the eating, and may
even be permitted when not being held if being done immediately before eating. According
to the Chazon Ish, however, it is prohibited to remove the stem, rather the
stem should be held in one hand, and the fruit pulled away (or bit away) from
the stem for consumption.
6) Individual grapes may only be removed from on the cluster
immediately before eating them but may not be removed and prepared before that
time.
If a cluster of grapes contains in it some grapes that are
spoiled or less fresh than the rest, they may not be removed from the cluster.
Only the good grapes may be removed for consumption, and even those, only
immediately prior to eating.
1) When eating fish which contains bones, it is important to
be careful how the bones are removed as not to do it in such a way that the
prohibition of Borer will be transgressed.
The bones should not be removed from the fish as doing so is
removing P'soles from Ochel .
Rather, one hand should be placed on the bone and with the
other hand, or with a fork, the fish should be pulled away from the bone, thus
removing the Ochel from the P'soles which, if done immediately prior to eating,
is permitted.
There are those who are lenient and remove the bones from
the fish immediately before the meal. Although L'Chatchilah this shouldn't be
done, the Mishna Berura says not to protest against those who do it. (See Biur
Halacha Siman 319: 4 Dibur Hamaschil M'Toch for a lengthy discussion about
this. See also Kaf HaChaim Siman 319:44 quoting the Ben Ish Chai that removing
the bones from fish is "Derech Achilah" and permitted.)
According to the Mishna Berura, another acceptable option
would be to remove some of the fish along with the bone.
According to the Chazon Ish (Siman 54) it is 100% prohibited
to remove the bones from the fish even B'dieved and taking some of the fish
along with the bone is not either an option according to the Chazon Ish.
2) The Minhag, which many sectors in Klal Yisroel have, to
eat Gefilte fish on Shabbos, and not regular fish with bones, developed in part
due to the desire to avoid the Borer issues prevalent when eating fish which
contains many small bones.
1) A wrapper that is on a candy may be removed, even if the
candy will not be immediately consumed, as the wrapper is not considered like
the peel of a fruit, rather it is deemed as an independent covering, similar to
food in a container, and not "in a mixture" with the candy, thus
there are no concerns of Borer.
Similarly, a wrapper of an ice cream or ices bar may be
removed, even if not for immediate use, as they are deemed similar to a
container which holds a food, and have no Borer concerns.
2) Very often, certain cheeses (e.g. Yellow "American
Cheese") are sold with pieces of paper between each slice. According to
some Poskim these papers may only be removed immediately prior to eating. (See
Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 74; Borer:8)
Other Poskim are lenient and deem these pieces of paper like
the aforementioned candy wrapper, and maintain that there are no Borer issues
at all to contend with when removing them. (See Orchos Shabbos page 171
footnote 121)
The same Machlokes would apply to removing the plastic
covering commonly found on salami or sausages.For Halacha L'ma'aseh each
individual must consult their own Rav.
3) It is prohibited, on Shabbos, to soak a cluster of grapes
in a bowl of water for the purpose of having any dirt or other foreign matter
be separated from the grapes. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 319:8).This is even
prohibited if done immediately before eating, as the P'soles is being removed
from the Ochel which is prohibited even for immediate use.
4) According to some Poskim, it is even prohibited to hold
the cluster of grapes and have a stream of water from the faucet run over it,
as here too the P'soles is being washed away from the Ochel. According to these
Poskim there is no permissible way to wash these on Shabbos; they should be
rinsed before Shabbos. (See Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchasa Perek 3:21)
The above applies to all fruits and vegetables that have
dirt or insects mixed into them; it is prohibited to soak them or, according to
some Poskim, run water over them for the purpose of removing the unwanted dirt,
insects or any foreign matter. (See Mishna Berura Siman 319:29)
Other Poskim, however, maintain that only soaking them is
Borer and prohibited, but holding them and rinsing them is not "Derech
Borer, a manner of Borer" and is rather "Derech Rechitzah, a manner
of washing them" and thus permitted, [especially if the fruit in question
would be eaten by most people even if they couldn't be washed.] (See Igros
Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 1 Siman 125 and Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchasa ibid.
and footnote 48)
5) A fruit that does not have foreign matter "mixed
into it", but rather only has some visible dirt on its surface or a fruit
that fell to the ground and got a little dirty, according to many Poskim, may
be rinsed off if done immediately prior to eating it. (See Shmiras Shabbos
K'Hilchasa ibid. The Chazon Ish prohibits washing the fruit in such a case as
well.)
The same applies to residue of the chemicals which nowadays
are commonly sprayed on fruits; if it's visible it may be washed off
immediately prior to eating.
6) A fruit that is not visibly dirty at all and most people
would eat it as is, may be rinsed off even if it won't be eaten immediately, as
since there is no visible P'soles, it isn't subject to the prohibition of Borer
at all. (See Shu"t Be'er Moshe Vol. 1 Siman 38:3)
7) Although we learnt that washing dirt and other foreign
matter off of fruits is subject to the prohibition of Borer and may only be
done under certain conditions, this prohibition does not extend to soiled
dishes. The rinsing and washing of dirty dishes is 100% permitted, as is the
removal of a piece of lint or a small insect from one's clothing (See Shulchan
Aruch Siman 316:9).
Likewise, there are no concerns of Borer when one is
sweeping dirt off the floor.
8) One reason for this is that any item that is regularly
soiled and often cleaned is not subject to the prohibition of Borer as when it
is cleaned it is not deemed "Derech Borer, the manner of separating"
rather it is deemed "Derech Nikui, the manner of cleaning". (See
Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchasa Perek 3 footnote 7 for a lengthy discussion about
this based on the rulings of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal)
Another reason given for the differentiation between fruits
and dishes is that a soiled fruit is deemed a flawed fruit and the removal of
the dirt via washing rectifies it, thus the removal of the dirt is an action
that is considered Borer. Dishes, on the other hand, even when they are soiled
are not considered flawed dishes. (Reasoning of Rav Nissim Karelitz Shlita,
quoted in Orchos Shabbos page 176 footnote 132)
Yet another reason cited by the Poskim is that the dish, due
to its distinct and hard surface, can never be considered "in a
mixture" with the dirt and thus not subject to the prohibitions of Borer.
(Sevara of Rav Shmuel Auerbach Shlita, ibid.)
1) If one has a mixture of different items and wants to sort
them, according to some Poskim the entire mixture can be strewn onto the floor
or the table to cause all the parts of the mixture to separate from each other,
and then after they are all no longer "in a mixture" the ones that
are wanted may be picked up and sorted, as there is no prohibition against
sorting individual items. (See Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 4 Siman 74; Borer:
11 where Rav Moshe Zatzal writes that this is a good idea to do. See also
Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchasa Perek 3 footnote 6 quoting Rav Shlomo Zalmen
Auerbach Zatzal ruling this way)
Other Poskim prohibit doing this, and maintain that the
scattering of the pile to cause it to no longer be "in a mixture" is
in itself an act of Borer. (See Sefer Ayil Meshulash Perek 9 footnote 82
quoting Maran Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Shlita)
2) Thus, for example, if after finishing a Shabbos meal one
has a pile of freshly washed forks, spoons and knives in a mixture and wants to
now put them away in their proper places in the cutlery drawer, or wants to set
the table for the next Shabbos meal, this pile may not be sorted as it isn't
for immediate use.
If, however, the entire pile is scattered on the table and
is no longer in a mixture, according to Rav Moshe Feinstein and Rav Shlomo
Zalmen Auerbach Zichronam L'Vracha, each individual piece of cutlery can be
picked up and placed in its proper place in the drawer or next to the table
setting.
According to Maran Rav Elyashiv Shlita, this cannot be done;
only immediately before the meal is going to be eaten may the desired cutlery
be picked up and the table set.
For Halacha L'ma'aseh, of course, each individual should
consult their Rav.
1) It is prohibited to remove items from within a mixture
for the purpose of sorting them, even if they are removed randomly with no
preference for what item may come out first, as being that the entire purpose
and intent of their removal is to then place each item in its designated place
we deem the entire process as a prohibited Borer.
Thus, for example, one who wants to put away silverware that
is in a mixture, may not randomly pull out a knife and put it away, pull out a
spoon and put it away and so on and so forth until they all end up sorted and
away in their designated places.
Likewise, if setting the table for a subsequent Shabbos
meal, individual Silverware may not be randomly removed from within the mixture
and placed in their correct place in the place setting. This may only be done
if being done for the meal currently being eaten. (Unless they are first
scattered as we learned yesterday)
2) However, if when each item is randomly removed from
within the mixture, it is being done for a purpose other than sorting, it may
then be placed in its correct place.
For example, if a pile of silverware has just been washed,
and one piece is randomly picked in order to be dried, being that the drying is
an end onto itself, it may subsequently be placed in its designated place. The
same can be done for the next randomly chosen piece of silverware and so on and
so forth until they are all dried, and put away. (See Shmiras Shabbos
K'Hilchasa Perek 3:78 quoting Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal. See also Ayil
Meshulash Perek 11:5 quoting Rav Nissim Karelitz Shlita who also rules this
way. However, he also quotes Maran Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Shlita who does
not agree with this leniency.)
1) One who has a pile of freshly laundered clothing that is
"in a mixture" in a laundry basket or otherwise in an unsorted pile,
and wants to put each article of clothing away in its designated place,
according to some Poskim a random article of clothing may be taken out of the
pile and folded (provided it is folded in a permissible way, a Halacha we shall
B'Ezras Hashem discuss in the future) and put away in its place followed by the
next randomly chosen piece, until all the clothes are folded and put away.
(Ruling of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal quoted in Shmiras Shabbos
K'Hilchasa Perek 3:82. The reasoning is the same as with drying silverware, as
each piece of clothing is being picked up to be folded, a means in itself, and
not to be sorted.)
2) Other Poskim, however, maintain that even if done in the
aforementioned manner it is still considered Borer and is prohibited. (Ruling
of Rav Nissim Karelitz Shlita quoted in Orchos Shabbos page 179 footnote 140.
See the footnote at length for the reasoning behind this and why this differs
from picking up a piece of silverware to dry.)
All agree that it is prohibited to sort the clothing into
piles and only then begin folding them and putting them away.
1) One who is eating fruit and picks up a fruit with the
intent to eat it and after picking it up notices that it is moldy or otherwise
not fit for consumption, may put the fruit down anywhere and it isn't
considered having separated the P'soles from the Ochel.
The reason for this is since he thought that all the fruit in front of him was edible
and he picked up this fruit to eat and not to separate it, picking up this
particular fruit is a "Derech Achilah, a normal manner of eating" and
not an act of Borer.
2) If one has a dish that contains in it apples and oranges,
arranged in a distinct way where the oranges are on bottom and the apples are
on top (i.e. not mixed together), the apples may be removed in order to reach
the oranges on the bottom. (See Mishna Berura Siman 319:15 and Biur Halacha
Dibur Hamaschil L'echol Miyad)
Similarly, if a bunch of coats are hanging on the wall one
on top of the other and one is looking to find their coat, it is permissible to
remove the outer coats in order to find and retrieve their coat. (ibid.)
Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh
1) Just as with the Melacha of Bishul, if transgressed it is
forbidden to eat the cooked food until after Shabbos, so too with the Melacha
of Borer.
If the Melacha of Borer was transgresses B'Shogeg,
accidentally, the food should not be eaten by anyone for the duration of that
Shabbos. (See Pri Megadim, Aishel Avraham, beginning of Siman 319)
In cases of great necessity, there is room for leniency to
allow the food to be used. (See Mishna Berura Siman 318:7 and Biur Halacha
beginning of Siman 319 where they allow for the leniency based on the ruling of
the Gaon of Vilna)
2) If one transgressed the Melacha of Borer B'meizid,
intentionally, the food may not be eaten by anyone for the duration of Shabbos,
and for the person who did the separating, possibly forever. (See Pri Megadim
ibid.)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) One who transgresses the Melacha of Borer, and thus
causes the food to become prohibited for this Shabbos, cannot rectify their
actions by placing the separated item back into the mixture, as once it was
separated the item remains forbidden for the duration of Shabbos, or perhaps
forever if done intentionally. (Pri Megadim ibid.)
There is no difference in the aforementioned Halacha between
Shogeg and Meizid. (See Chazon Ish Siman 37:27 Dibur Hamaschil Haya. See also
Shu"t Minchas Shlomo Siman 5:3)
2)If the item that was separated is something that is only
prohibited as a Chumra, a stringency, but isn't prohibited M'Ikar Hadin (such
as mixtures whose components are distinctly noticeable, or fruit that was
peeled not immediately before the meal, and other such cases where some Poskim
are lenient and others are stringent, many of which we have
discussed in the past few weeks) there is further room for leniency in allowing
the items to be used B'dieved, in cases of necessity. (See Pri Megadim,
Mishbetzos Zahav, Siman 319:2 towards the end and Biur Halacha end of Siman 321
Dibur Hamaschil Liklof where he quotes the opinion of the Rambam that peeling
fruits is allowed even not immediately before eating)
With endless thanks and praise to Hashem, this brings us to the end of
our journey into the fascinating Halachos of Borer.
