1) There is a debate amongst the Poskim if a sink drain that got stuffed up on Shabbos may be unclogged by using a plunger.
Some Poskim allow it in cases of extreme necessity while others prohibit this in all instances as in their opinion fixing a pipe that was not functioning properly is a transgression of the Melacha of Boneh and/or the melacha of Makeh B'Patish. (See Shu"t Minchas Yitzchak Vol. 5 Siman 75 and Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchaso Perek 12:17)
2) If the blockage is extreme and can only be unclogged by using a snake tool, which is considered skilled work (Ma'aseh Uman) all agree that it is prohibited. (Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchaso ibid.)
Of course, actually unscrewing the blocked pipe in order to clean it as well as re-screwing it after it is cleaned is prohibited according to all opinions.
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Reader's Question:
I know its not a good thing to do, but is one allowed to scratch and peel at a scab on shabbos if you know it will not cause you to bleed?
Answer:
Yes, as long as no new blood is squeezed out. See Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim Siman 328:28, Mishna Berura S"K 90 and Sha'ar HaTziyun Os 67.
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas the late Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
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THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
Rashi says that the 127 years of the life of Sarah Imeinu were equally good.
The Telshe Rosh Yeshiva said that "GOOD" & "HAPPY" have different meanings.
"GOOD" is an accomplished day.
"HAPPY" can mean a day of fun and pleasure and not necessarily a true happiness.
Sarah's years were all good, all accomplished days not wasting any time.
Taanis Bechoros on Thursday, April 10, 2025 Candle lighting on Friday, April 11, 2025 - 7:38 PM Candle lighting on Shabbos, April 12, 2025 - 8:42 PM This week's Torah Portion is Parshas Tzav
Important Numbers
