Games on Shabbat: Difference between revisions
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For an introduction to playing games on Shabbat, especially for those above Bar and Bat mitzvah, see the discussion page. | For an introduction to playing games on [[Shabbat]], especially for those above Bar and Bat mitzvah, see the discussion page. | ||
==Children above Bar/Bat Mitzvah== | ==Children above Bar/Bat Mitzvah== | ||
# It’s highly advisable that older children (above 13 for a boy and above 12 for a girl) and adults should desist from playing games on [[Shabbat]]. <Ref> Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:1, Children in Halacha (Rabbi Simcha Bunim pg 132). See Sh”t Or Letzion 2:45:5 who only permits games for girls under Bat Mitzvah because for adults it’s an issue of muktzah, and for boys under [[Bar Mitzvah]] it’s an issue of getting them involved in something that will cause [[Bitul Torah]]. </ref> | # It’s highly advisable that older children (above 13 for a boy and above 12 for a girl) and adults should desist from playing games on [[Shabbat]]. <Ref> Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata 16:1, Children in Halacha (Rabbi Simcha Bunim pg 132), Kaf Hachaim 308:259, Sh"t Az Nidberu 1:13, Yam Shel Shlomo Masechet Beitza 1:34. See Sh”t Or Letzion 2:45:5 who only permits games for girls under Bat Mitzvah because for adults it’s an issue of [[muktzah]], and for boys under [[Bar Mitzvah]] it’s an issue of getting them involved in something that will cause [[Bitul Torah]]. The Gemara Yerushalmi [[Shabbat]] 15:3 writes that [[Shabbat]] was given for people to learn torah. Ben Ish Chai Parashat Shemot:Halacha 2 writes that the reward for learning torah on [[Shabbat]] is one thousand times greater than during the week. </ref> | ||
# Even children as young as 4 or 5 should only play with games or toys which are permissible on [[Shabbat]]. <ref> Or Litzion 2:42:5 </ref> Children younger than that though, can use toys that are usually considered muktze. <ref> Tiltulei [[Shabbos]] pg. 22:footnote 2 in the name of Rav Moshe Feinstein. </ref> | |||
==Noisemakers== | ==Noisemakers== | ||
# Items which make noise, such as bells, rattles, and musical instruments, are Muktzeh. <Ref> Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:2 </ref> | # Items which make noise, such as bells, rattles, and musical instruments, are [[Muktzeh]]. <Ref> Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata 16:2 </ref> | ||
# It’s permissible for an adult to give a baby a toy that makes noise, such as whistles, rattles, or other noisemakers. <Ref>Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:3, 39 Melachos (Rabbi Ribiat, vol 4, pg 1161-2) </ref> Some say that one shouldn't give such a toy directly to the baby, but should place the toy in front of him, unless the baby won’t take it for himself. <Ref> Children in Halacha (Rabbi Simcha Bunim, pg 134) </ref> | # It’s permissible for an adult to give a baby a toy that makes noise, such as whistles, rattles, or other noisemakers. <Ref>Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata 16:3, 39 Melachos (Rabbi Ribiat, vol 4, pg 1161-2) </ref> Some say that one shouldn't give such a toy directly to the baby, but should place the toy in front of him, unless the baby won’t take it for himself. <Ref> Children in Halacha (Rabbi Simcha Bunim, pg 134) </ref> | ||
# An adult shouldn't personally use a noisemaker (such as a rattle) to entertain a baby <Ref>Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:3, 39 Melachos (Rabbi Ribiat, vol 4, pg 1161) </ref> unless there’s a necessity (such as to calm down a crying baby,) and even in such, a case it’s preferable for the adult to shake it in an unusual manner. <Ref> Children in Halacha (Rabbi Simcha Bunim, pg 135) </ref> | # An adult shouldn't personally use a noisemaker (such as a rattle) to entertain a baby <Ref>Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata 16:3, 39 Melachos (Rabbi Ribiat, vol 4, pg 1161) </ref> unless there’s a necessity (such as to calm down a crying baby,) and even in such, a case it’s preferable for the adult to shake it in an unusual manner. <Ref> Children in Halacha (Rabbi Simcha Bunim, pg 135) </ref> | ||
# Children that are above the age of chinuch (approximately four years old) should be taught not to use these noisemakers on [[Shabbat]]. <Ref> Children in Halacha (Rabbi Simcha Bunim, pg 133) </ref> | # Children that are above the age of [[chinuch]] (approximately four years old) should be taught not to use these noisemakers on [[Shabbat]]. <Ref> Children in Halacha (Rabbi Simcha Bunim, pg 133) </ref> | ||
# However, toys whose primary function are not for noise, such as a merry-go-round that clicks as is used, may be used by children on [[Shabbat]]. <Ref> Children in Halacha (Rabbi Simcha Bunim, pg 134) </ref> | # However, toys whose primary function are not for noise, such as a merry-go-round that clicks as is used, may be used by children on [[Shabbat]]. <Ref> Children in Halacha (Rabbi Simcha Bunim, pg 134) </ref> | ||
==Playing with sand== | ==Playing with sand== | ||
# It’s permissible for children to play with sand that’s fine, dry, and prepared before [[Shabbat]] for this use (as in a sandbox). One may not add water to the sand on [[Shabbat]] (a violation of [[Losh]].) <Ref> Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:4, Children in Halacha (Rabbi Simcha Bunim, pg 137-8), 39 Melachos (Rabbi Ribiat, vol 2, pg 253) </ref> | # It’s permissible for children to play with sand that’s fine, dry, and prepared before [[Shabbat]] for this use (as in a [[sandbox]]). One may not add water to the sand on [[Shabbat]] (a violation of [[Losh]].) <Ref> Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata 16:4, Children in Halacha (Rabbi Simcha Bunim, pg 137-8), 39 Melachos (Rabbi Ribiat, vol 2, pg 253) </ref> | ||
# A child who understands the holiness of Shabbat should not be let to play with a sifting toy which sifts out pebbles or dirt from the sand because of the melacha of [[Merakaid]].<ref>39 Melachos (vol 2, pg 516)</ref> | # A child who understands the holiness of [[Shabbat]] should not be let to play with a [[sifting]] toy which sifts out pebbles or dirt from the sand because of the melacha of [[Merakaid]].<ref>39 Melachos (vol 2, pg 516)</ref> | ||
==Clay== | ==Clay== | ||
# It’s forbidden to play with clay or plaster on [[Shabbat]]. <Ref> Children in Halacha (pg 140), Sh”t Bear Moshe 6:34, Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:13 </ref> | # It’s forbidden to play with clay or plaster on [[Shabbat]]. <Ref> Children in Halacha (pg 140), Sh”t Bear Moshe 6:34, Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata 16:13 </ref> | ||
==Paper folding== | ==Paper folding== | ||
# On [[Shabbat]], one should not make a toy out of folded paper such as a boat or a hat. <ref>Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:21 </ref> | # On [[Shabbat]], one should not make a toy out of folded paper such as a boat or a hat. <ref>Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata 16:21 </ref> | ||
==Snow== | ==Snow== | ||
# Snow isn’t [[Muktzeh]], but it’s forbidden to make snowballs or a snowman. <Ref> Children in Halacha (Rabbi Simcha Bunim, pg 138) </ref> | # Snow isn’t [[Muktzeh]], but it’s forbidden to make snowballs or a snowman. <Ref> Children in Halacha (Rabbi Simcha Bunim, pg 138) </ref> | ||
==Marbles== | ==Marbles== | ||
# Children may play with marbles inside the house (as long as it has flooring and not bare earth) but not outside. <Ref> Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:5 </ref> | # Children may play with marbles inside the house (as long as it has flooring and not bare earth) but not outside. <Ref> Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata 16:5 </ref> | ||
==Playing with a ball== | ==Playing with a ball== | ||
# A play-ball according to Sephardim is Muktzeh, while Ashkenazim hold it’s Kli Sh’Melachto LeHeter<ref> Even though Shevut Yitzchak (pg 89) quotes Rav Elyashiv who says that S”A would agree that the modern play-ball is non-Muktzeh, nonetheless, Yalkut Yosef (Kitzur S”A 308:84) says one should follow S”A 308:45 that considers all balls to be Muktzeh.Sh”t Or Letzion 2:26:8 writes that a ball is considered [[Muktzah]] for boys and girls above Bar and Bat mitzvah. Other games are generally not [[muktzah]] but should preferably be treated as muktzah and not moved. Therefore, for Ashkenazim the Rama 308:45 certainly considers balls to be non-Muktzeh. So holds Rav Moshe Feinstein quoted by Sefer Tiltulei [[Shabbat]] (pg 22 note 16) and Rav Elyashiv in Shalmei Yehuda (pg 91). </ref> | # A play-ball according to Sephardim is [[Muktzeh]], while Ashkenazim hold it’s Kli Sh’Melachto LeHeter<ref> Even though Shevut Yitzchak (pg 89) quotes Rav Elyashiv who says that S”A would agree that the modern play-ball is non-[[Muktzeh]], nonetheless, Yalkut Yosef (Kitzur S”A 308:84) says one should follow S”A 308:45 that considers all balls to be [[Muktzeh]].Sh”t Or Letzion 2:26:8 writes that a ball is considered [[Muktzah]] for boys and girls above Bar and Bat mitzvah. Other games are generally not [[muktzah]] but should preferably be treated as [[muktzah]] and not moved. Therefore, for Ashkenazim the Rama 308:45 certainly considers balls to be non-[[Muktzeh]]. So holds Rav Moshe Feinstein quoted by Sefer Tiltulei [[Shabbat]] (pg 22 note 16) and Rav Elyashiv in Shalmei Yehuda (pg 91). </ref> | ||
# Children may play ball games on paved (asphalt or concrete) ground or on a ping-pong table, both indoors or outside, as long as there’s an appropriate Eruv. <Ref>Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:6. Children in Halacha (Rabbi Simcha Bunim Cohen, pg 137) adds that any game which the ball rolls on the ground may not be played except on pavement; however, other ball games can be played even on grass. Children in Halacha (Rabbi Simcha Bunim, pg 140) says that it’s permissible to play ping-pong. </ref> | # Children may play ball games on paved (asphalt or concrete) ground or on a ping-pong table, both indoors or outside, as long as there’s an appropriate Eruv. <Ref>Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata 16:6. Children in Halacha (Rabbi Simcha Bunim Cohen, pg 137) adds that any game which the ball rolls on the ground may not be played except on pavement; however, other ball games can be played even on grass. Children in Halacha (Rabbi Simcha Bunim, pg 140) says that it’s permissible to play ping-pong. </ref> | ||
# It’s forbidden to get a ball out of a tree whether by hand or using a stick. <Ref>Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:7, Children in Halacha (Rabbi Simcha Bunim Cohen, pg 137) </ref> | # It’s forbidden to get a ball out of a tree whether by hand or using a stick. <Ref>Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata 16:7, Children in Halacha (Rabbi Simcha Bunim Cohen, pg 137) </ref> | ||
# It’s permissible to blow up inflatable balls which had been previously inflated so long as the air is kept in using a plastic or rubber insertion. However, if it’s usual to tie the opening after inflating the ball is Muktzeh and can’t be used. <Ref>Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:8 </ref> Similarly, some permit one to inflate a balloon on [[Shabbat]] for a child. <Ref> Children in Halacha (pg 139) </ref> | # It’s permissible to blow up inflatable balls which had been previously inflated so long as the air is kept in using a plastic or rubber insertion. However, if it’s usual to tie the opening after inflating the ball is [[Muktzeh]] and can’t be used. <Ref>Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata 16:8 </ref> Similarly, some permit one to inflate a balloon on [[Shabbat]] for a child. <Ref> Children in Halacha (pg 139) </ref> | ||
# It’s not within the sanctity of [[Shabbat]] to visit a sports game even if there’s no issue of the admissions ticket. <Ref>Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:9 </ref> | # It’s not within the sanctity of [[Shabbat]] to visit a sports game even if there’s no issue of the admissions ticket. <Ref>Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata 16:9 </ref> | ||
==Bikes== | ==Bikes== | ||
# Children shouldn’t ride a bike on [[Shabbat]], however a tricycle or scooter is permissible only within in an eruv. Preferably, the bell on the scooter should be removed. <Ref> Children in Halacha (pg 138), Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:17 adds a scooter </ref> | # Children shouldn’t ride a bike on [[Shabbat]], however a tricycle or scooter is permissible only within in an eruv. Preferably, the bell on the scooter should be removed. <Ref> Children in Halacha (pg 138), Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata 16:17 adds a scooter </ref> | ||
==Swings== | ==Swings== | ||
# It’s permissible to climb a swing set, but it is forbidden to climb a tree or ascend a ladder which leans against a tree. (This is a Rabbinic prohibition related to [[Kotzer]]). <Ref> Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:15 </ref> | # It’s permissible to climb a swing set, but it is forbidden to climb a tree or ascend a ladder which leans against a tree. (This is a Rabbinic prohibition related to [[Kotzer]]). <Ref> Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata 16:15 </ref> | ||
# It’s permissible to use a swing suspended from a swing set. <Ref>Children in Halacha (pg 140), Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:16 </ref> | # It’s permissible to use a swing suspended from a swing set. <Ref>Children in Halacha (pg 140), Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata 16:16 </ref> | ||
# Some permit using a swing suspended from a tree as long as the tree doesn’t shake when used; however, a tire suspended from a tree shouldn’t be used. Others forbid all swings suspending from a tree unless the swing suspends from a pole that’s attached to two trees. <Ref>Children in Halacha (pg 140) is lenient, while Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:16 is stringent. </ref> | # Some permit using a swing suspended from a tree as long as the tree doesn’t shake when used; however, a tire suspended from a tree shouldn’t be used. Others forbid all swings suspending from a tree unless the swing suspends from a pole that’s attached to two trees. <Ref>Children in Halacha (pg 140) is lenient, while Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata 16:16 is stringent. </ref> | ||
==Toy car== | ==Toy car== | ||
# It’s permissible to wind up a spring motorized toy on [[Shabbat]]. <Ref>Children in Halacha (pg 139), Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:14</ref> | # It’s permissible to wind up a spring motorized toy on [[Shabbat]]. <Ref>Children in Halacha (pg 139), Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata 16:14</ref> | ||
# Before [[Shabbat]] one must remove batteries from a battery run toy in order that the child can play with it on [[Shabbat]]. <Ref>Children in Halacha (pg 139) </ref> | # Before [[Shabbat]] one must remove batteries from a battery run toy in order that the child can play with it on [[Shabbat]]. <Ref>Children in Halacha (pg 139) </ref> | ||
==Scrabble== | ==Scrabble== | ||
# It’s forbidden to play a game that one normally writes when playing the game. (See the page on [[Kotaiv]].) <Ref> Chaye Adam ([[Shabbat]] 38:11) </ref> Therefore, some say that scrabble shouldn’t be played on [[Shabbat]] because one normally writes when playing the game. <Ref>Children in Halacha (Rabbi Simcha Bunim, pg 135), Tiltulei [[Shabbat]] (Halachos of Muktzeh pg 24) </ref> | # It’s forbidden to play a game that one normally writes when playing the game. (See the page on [[Kotaiv]].) <Ref> Chaye Adam ([[Shabbat]] 38:11) </ref> Therefore, some say that scrabble shouldn’t be played on [[Shabbat]] because one normally writes when playing the game. <Ref>Children in Halacha (Rabbi Simcha Bunim, pg 135), Tiltulei [[Shabbat]] (Halachos of [[Muktzeh]] pg 24) </ref> | ||
# Some hold that it is permissible to play as long as you do not use the scrabble board that has individual squares for each tile (which creates an additional problem of kosev.) | # Some hold that it is permissible to play as long as you do not use the scrabble board that has individual squares for each tile (which creates an additional problem of kosev.) | ||
==Jacks== | ==Jacks== | ||
# Playing five stone (a type of jacks) is permissible and isn’t an issue of [[Muktzeh]]. <Ref>Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:11 </ref> | # Playing five stone (a type of jacks) is permissible and isn’t an issue of [[Muktzeh]]. <Ref>Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata 16:11 </ref> | ||
==Photographs== | ==Photographs== | ||
# It’s permissible to place a photograph into an album unless the photo’s adhere to the page or is stuck into the album even by means of a corner piece. (See page on [[Tofer]].)<Ref> Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:12 </ref> | # It’s permissible to place a photograph into an album unless the photo’s adhere to the page or is stuck into the album even by means of a corner piece. (See page on [[Tofer]].)<Ref> Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata 16:12 </ref> | ||
==Lego or Tinkertoy== | ==Lego or Tinkertoy== | ||
# It’s permissible to play with building blocks that don’t interlock. (See page on [[Boneh]].) <Ref>Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:18 </ref> | # It’s permissible to play with building blocks that don’t interlock. (See page on [[Boneh]].) <Ref>Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata 16:18 </ref> | ||
# Some say that playing with Lego or Tinkertoy isn’t considered building and is permissible. <Ref> Sh”T Or Letzion vol 2 (chap 45:5 pg 272), Sh”t Tzitz Eliezer 13:30, Sh”t | # Some say that playing with Lego or Tinkertoy isn’t considered building and is permissible. <Ref> Sh”T Or Letzion vol 2 (chap 45:5 pg 272), Sh”t Tzitz Eliezer 13:30, Sh”t Be'er Moshe 6:25, Sh”t Yabea Omer 7:39(4), Yalkut Yosef 314:1, Children in Halacha (Rabbi Simcha Bunim Cohen, pg 135), Sh”t Machazeh Eliyahu 69 </ref> However, some say that it’s forbidden. <Ref> Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata 16:19 (in the new edition) writes that building blocks which fit together tightly are forbidden and continues to give Lego as an example. Similarly, Shalmei Yehuda (pg 90) quotes Rav Elyashiv as saying that lego would be considered building. Sefer Tiltulei [[Shabbat]] (Rabbi Pinchas Bodner, pg 24) quotes Rav Moshe Feinstein as saying that it’s not clear whether the interlocking pieces is forbidden, and therefore the Sefer Tiltulei [[Shabbat]] writes that one shouldn’t give it to a child, but if the child takes it not to object. </ref> | ||
==Board games== | ==Board games== | ||
# Using dice on [[Shabbat]] is permitted. <Ref>Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:33 </ref> | # Using dice on [[Shabbat]] is permitted. <Ref>Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata 16:33 </ref> | ||
===Monopoly=== | ===Monopoly=== | ||
# It is permitted to play monopoly on [[Shabbat]], while others say that one should refrain. <Ref> Children in Halacha (pg 139) and Sh”t Or Letzion 2:45:5 in the note are lenient, while Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:32 says that it’s preferable to refrain. </ref> | # It is permitted to play monopoly on [[Shabbat]], while others say that one should refrain. <Ref> Children in Halacha (pg 139) and Sh”t Or Letzion 2:45:5 in the note are lenient, while Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata 16:32 says that it’s preferable to refrain. </ref> | ||
==Card games== | ==Card games== | ||
# It’s permissible to play card games; however, when finished, one may not separate the cards in order to put it away. (See the page on [[Borer]].)<Ref>Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:34 </ref> | # It’s permissible to play card games; however, when finished, one may not separate the cards in order to put it away. (See the page on [[Borer]].)<Ref>Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata 16:34 </ref> | ||
==Puzzles== | ==Puzzles== | ||
# Some poskim permit building puzzles on [[Shabbat]], while others forbid. (See the page on [[Kotaiv]].) To avoid the issue of [[Borer]] (separating) one must be careful not to separate pieces that one doesn’t want from those that one wants. <Ref> Sh”t Or Letzion 2:45:6 writes that it’s not considered writing since it’s only for the purposes of a game (and it’s temporary). So too there’s no issue of Borer since one takes the pieces one wants and uses them immediately. So holds Sh”t Beer Moshe 6:26, and Rav Pinchas Scheinberg quoted in Children in Halacha (pg 140), and Rav Moshe HaLevi in Menuchat Ahava (vol 3, 22:16). However, Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:23 forbids if the pieces fit tight together (interlock). Similarly, Shalmei Yehuda (pg 90) quoting Rav Elyashiv and Sefer Tiltulei [[Shabbat]] (pg 25; Rabbi Yisrael Bodner) write that it’s forbidden. </ref> | # Some poskim permit building puzzles on [[Shabbat]], while others forbid. (See the page on [[Kotaiv]].) To avoid the issue of [[Borer]] ([[separating]]) one must be careful not to separate pieces that one doesn’t want from those that one wants. <Ref> Sh”t Or Letzion 2:45:6 writes that it’s not considered writing since it’s only for the purposes of a game (and it’s temporary). So too there’s no issue of [[Borer]] since one takes the pieces one wants and uses them immediately. So holds Sh”t Beer Moshe 6:26, and Rav Pinchas Scheinberg quoted in Children in Halacha (pg 140), and Rav Moshe HaLevi in Menuchat Ahava (vol 3, 22:16). However, Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata 16:23 forbids if the pieces fit tight together (interlock). Similarly, Shalmei Yehuda (pg 90) quoting Rav Elyashiv and Sefer Tiltulei [[Shabbat]] (pg 25; Rabbi Yisrael Bodner) write that it’s forbidden. </ref> | ||
==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
<References/> | <References/> | ||
Revision as of 02:09, 6 October 2013
For an introduction to playing games on Shabbat, especially for those above Bar and Bat mitzvah, see the discussion page.
Children above Bar/Bat Mitzvah
- It’s highly advisable that older children (above 13 for a boy and above 12 for a girl) and adults should desist from playing games on Shabbat. [1]
- Even children as young as 4 or 5 should only play with games or toys which are permissible on Shabbat. [2] Children younger than that though, can use toys that are usually considered muktze. [3]
Noisemakers
- Items which make noise, such as bells, rattles, and musical instruments, are Muktzeh. [4]
- It’s permissible for an adult to give a baby a toy that makes noise, such as whistles, rattles, or other noisemakers. [5] Some say that one shouldn't give such a toy directly to the baby, but should place the toy in front of him, unless the baby won’t take it for himself. [6]
- An adult shouldn't personally use a noisemaker (such as a rattle) to entertain a baby [7] unless there’s a necessity (such as to calm down a crying baby,) and even in such, a case it’s preferable for the adult to shake it in an unusual manner. [8]
- Children that are above the age of chinuch (approximately four years old) should be taught not to use these noisemakers on Shabbat. [9]
- However, toys whose primary function are not for noise, such as a merry-go-round that clicks as is used, may be used by children on Shabbat. [10]
Playing with sand
- It’s permissible for children to play with sand that’s fine, dry, and prepared before Shabbat for this use (as in a sandbox). One may not add water to the sand on Shabbat (a violation of Losh.) [11]
- A child who understands the holiness of Shabbat should not be let to play with a sifting toy which sifts out pebbles or dirt from the sand because of the melacha of Merakaid.[12]
Clay
Paper folding
Snow
Marbles
- Children may play with marbles inside the house (as long as it has flooring and not bare earth) but not outside. [16]
Playing with a ball
- A play-ball according to Sephardim is Muktzeh, while Ashkenazim hold it’s Kli Sh’Melachto LeHeter[17]
- Children may play ball games on paved (asphalt or concrete) ground or on a ping-pong table, both indoors or outside, as long as there’s an appropriate Eruv. [18]
- It’s forbidden to get a ball out of a tree whether by hand or using a stick. [19]
- It’s permissible to blow up inflatable balls which had been previously inflated so long as the air is kept in using a plastic or rubber insertion. However, if it’s usual to tie the opening after inflating the ball is Muktzeh and can’t be used. [20] Similarly, some permit one to inflate a balloon on Shabbat for a child. [21]
- It’s not within the sanctity of Shabbat to visit a sports game even if there’s no issue of the admissions ticket. [22]
Bikes
- Children shouldn’t ride a bike on Shabbat, however a tricycle or scooter is permissible only within in an eruv. Preferably, the bell on the scooter should be removed. [23]
Swings
- It’s permissible to climb a swing set, but it is forbidden to climb a tree or ascend a ladder which leans against a tree. (This is a Rabbinic prohibition related to Kotzer). [24]
- It’s permissible to use a swing suspended from a swing set. [25]
- Some permit using a swing suspended from a tree as long as the tree doesn’t shake when used; however, a tire suspended from a tree shouldn’t be used. Others forbid all swings suspending from a tree unless the swing suspends from a pole that’s attached to two trees. [26]
Toy car
- It’s permissible to wind up a spring motorized toy on Shabbat. [27]
- Before Shabbat one must remove batteries from a battery run toy in order that the child can play with it on Shabbat. [28]
Scrabble
- It’s forbidden to play a game that one normally writes when playing the game. (See the page on Kotaiv.) [29] Therefore, some say that scrabble shouldn’t be played on Shabbat because one normally writes when playing the game. [30]
- Some hold that it is permissible to play as long as you do not use the scrabble board that has individual squares for each tile (which creates an additional problem of kosev.)
Jacks
Photographs
- It’s permissible to place a photograph into an album unless the photo’s adhere to the page or is stuck into the album even by means of a corner piece. (See page on Tofer.)[32]
Lego or Tinkertoy
- It’s permissible to play with building blocks that don’t interlock. (See page on Boneh.) [33]
- Some say that playing with Lego or Tinkertoy isn’t considered building and is permissible. [34] However, some say that it’s forbidden. [35]
Board games
Monopoly
Card games
- It’s permissible to play card games; however, when finished, one may not separate the cards in order to put it away. (See the page on Borer.)[38]
Puzzles
- Some poskim permit building puzzles on Shabbat, while others forbid. (See the page on Kotaiv.) To avoid the issue of Borer (separating) one must be careful not to separate pieces that one doesn’t want from those that one wants. [39]
Sources
- ↑ Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:1, Children in Halacha (Rabbi Simcha Bunim pg 132), Kaf Hachaim 308:259, Sh"t Az Nidberu 1:13, Yam Shel Shlomo Masechet Beitza 1:34. See Sh”t Or Letzion 2:45:5 who only permits games for girls under Bat Mitzvah because for adults it’s an issue of muktzah, and for boys under Bar Mitzvah it’s an issue of getting them involved in something that will cause Bitul Torah. The Gemara Yerushalmi Shabbat 15:3 writes that Shabbat was given for people to learn torah. Ben Ish Chai Parashat Shemot:Halacha 2 writes that the reward for learning torah on Shabbat is one thousand times greater than during the week.
- ↑ Or Litzion 2:42:5
- ↑ Tiltulei Shabbos pg. 22:footnote 2 in the name of Rav Moshe Feinstein.
- ↑ Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:2
- ↑ Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:3, 39 Melachos (Rabbi Ribiat, vol 4, pg 1161-2)
- ↑ Children in Halacha (Rabbi Simcha Bunim, pg 134)
- ↑ Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:3, 39 Melachos (Rabbi Ribiat, vol 4, pg 1161)
- ↑ Children in Halacha (Rabbi Simcha Bunim, pg 135)
- ↑ Children in Halacha (Rabbi Simcha Bunim, pg 133)
- ↑ Children in Halacha (Rabbi Simcha Bunim, pg 134)
- ↑ Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:4, Children in Halacha (Rabbi Simcha Bunim, pg 137-8), 39 Melachos (Rabbi Ribiat, vol 2, pg 253)
- ↑ 39 Melachos (vol 2, pg 516)
- ↑ Children in Halacha (pg 140), Sh”t Bear Moshe 6:34, Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:13
- ↑ Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:21
- ↑ Children in Halacha (Rabbi Simcha Bunim, pg 138)
- ↑ Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:5
- ↑ Even though Shevut Yitzchak (pg 89) quotes Rav Elyashiv who says that S”A would agree that the modern play-ball is non-Muktzeh, nonetheless, Yalkut Yosef (Kitzur S”A 308:84) says one should follow S”A 308:45 that considers all balls to be Muktzeh.Sh”t Or Letzion 2:26:8 writes that a ball is considered Muktzah for boys and girls above Bar and Bat mitzvah. Other games are generally not muktzah but should preferably be treated as muktzah and not moved. Therefore, for Ashkenazim the Rama 308:45 certainly considers balls to be non-Muktzeh. So holds Rav Moshe Feinstein quoted by Sefer Tiltulei Shabbat (pg 22 note 16) and Rav Elyashiv in Shalmei Yehuda (pg 91).
- ↑ Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:6. Children in Halacha (Rabbi Simcha Bunim Cohen, pg 137) adds that any game which the ball rolls on the ground may not be played except on pavement; however, other ball games can be played even on grass. Children in Halacha (Rabbi Simcha Bunim, pg 140) says that it’s permissible to play ping-pong.
- ↑ Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:7, Children in Halacha (Rabbi Simcha Bunim Cohen, pg 137)
- ↑ Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:8
- ↑ Children in Halacha (pg 139)
- ↑ Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:9
- ↑ Children in Halacha (pg 138), Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:17 adds a scooter
- ↑ Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:15
- ↑ Children in Halacha (pg 140), Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:16
- ↑ Children in Halacha (pg 140) is lenient, while Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:16 is stringent.
- ↑ Children in Halacha (pg 139), Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:14
- ↑ Children in Halacha (pg 139)
- ↑ Chaye Adam (Shabbat 38:11)
- ↑ Children in Halacha (Rabbi Simcha Bunim, pg 135), Tiltulei Shabbat (Halachos of Muktzeh pg 24)
- ↑ Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:11
- ↑ Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:12
- ↑ Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:18
- ↑ Sh”T Or Letzion vol 2 (chap 45:5 pg 272), Sh”t Tzitz Eliezer 13:30, Sh”t Be'er Moshe 6:25, Sh”t Yabea Omer 7:39(4), Yalkut Yosef 314:1, Children in Halacha (Rabbi Simcha Bunim Cohen, pg 135), Sh”t Machazeh Eliyahu 69
- ↑ Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:19 (in the new edition) writes that building blocks which fit together tightly are forbidden and continues to give Lego as an example. Similarly, Shalmei Yehuda (pg 90) quotes Rav Elyashiv as saying that lego would be considered building. Sefer Tiltulei Shabbat (Rabbi Pinchas Bodner, pg 24) quotes Rav Moshe Feinstein as saying that it’s not clear whether the interlocking pieces is forbidden, and therefore the Sefer Tiltulei Shabbat writes that one shouldn’t give it to a child, but if the child takes it not to object.
- ↑ Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:33
- ↑ Children in Halacha (pg 139) and Sh”t Or Letzion 2:45:5 in the note are lenient, while Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:32 says that it’s preferable to refrain.
- ↑ Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:34
- ↑ Sh”t Or Letzion 2:45:6 writes that it’s not considered writing since it’s only for the purposes of a game (and it’s temporary). So too there’s no issue of Borer since one takes the pieces one wants and uses them immediately. So holds Sh”t Beer Moshe 6:26, and Rav Pinchas Scheinberg quoted in Children in Halacha (pg 140), and Rav Moshe HaLevi in Menuchat Ahava (vol 3, 22:16). However, Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:23 forbids if the pieces fit tight together (interlock). Similarly, Shalmei Yehuda (pg 90) quoting Rav Elyashiv and Sefer Tiltulei Shabbat (pg 25; Rabbi Yisrael Bodner) write that it’s forbidden.
