We continue with our Erev Shabbos--Halachos of Shabbos Series:

1. How can one benefit his Parnassah even on Shabbos? The Mishne Berura (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 185: Seif Katan 1) brings from the Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 430) that one who is always careful to bentch with concentration is assured of his parnassah in a respectable way all of his life. One can--and should bentch with concentration on Shabbos as well!

2. Is one permitted to place a new shoelace in his shoe on Shabbos, or to reinsert his old shoelace? One may reinsert his old shoelace, provided that it is not difficult to slip through the holes (i.e., the plastics at the end of the shoelace are still on, the holes are large enough, etc.). If one’s shoelace broke and he would like to insert a new shoelace (or a shoelace from another shoe), he may only do so if the new shoelace is inserted in a manner which indicates that it is temporary--such as putting it only through the top loops, or putting in a different color shoelace--and even then only if it is easy to insert (plastics at end of the shoelace are still on, etc.). One may likewise insert a belt through belt loops on Shabbos, provided that he is not inserting a belt for the first time, intending to leave it there on a permanent basis. Thus, a matching belt for a dress which is intended to remain in the dress once inserted should not be inserted for the first time on Shabbos. (Shmiras Shabbos KeHilchasa 15:60, 62).

3. Other examples of activities which are prohibited because of Makeh BePatish, according to The 39 Melochos by Rabbi Dovid Ribiat, Shlita, (Feldheim) include: Straightening a bent clasp of a necklace or bracelet so that it will open or close; straightening the bent handle on a spoon back into shape; rubbing off chalk marks left by a tailor; making paper airplanes; fashioning paper napkins into flowers, hats and the like; and inserting a new pendant into a necklace where it is meant to remain there permanently.