Losh

From Halachipedia

Definition and basics

  1. In order to violate the biblical prohibition of Losh (1) there is a mixture of two ingredients, (2) one of the ingredients has to be powdery like flour, chopped (like chopped eggs), or thick (like jam), and (3) the mixture forms a thick dough-like substance [1]
  2. Kneading flour and water is a violation of the biblical prohibition of Losh (kneading).[2]
  3. Just as it is forbidden to knead two ingredients together so too it is forbidden to pour one onto the other so that they will mix automatically. Therefore it is forbidden to pour water onto flour or flour onto water on Shabbat. [3]

Dough which was kneaded before Shabbat

  1. Even if the two ingredients were poured one upon another before Shabbat it is forbidden to knead them together on Shabbat. [4]
  2. If two ingredients were kneaded together before Shabbat, it is permissible to add liquid and even mix slowly. [5]
  3. Therefore, if oil separated from peanut butter and floats on top of it, it's permissible to remix it. It would even be permissible to add more liquid more forbidden to add more solids. [6]

Making a thin batter

  1. Just as it is forbidden to knead together a thick mixture so too it is forbidden to mix together a thin batter unless one is careful to change ## (1) the order of putting in the ingredients (if it's normal during the week to put the liquid into the solid then on shabbat one should put the solid into the liquid, and visa versa, and if it isn't clear which way is normal put the liquid into the solid) (if one is pouring the liquid in the solid the liquid should be poured all at once and not slowly) and
    1. (2) the way one usually mixes such as with one's finger, by shaking the bowl, or if one can't do that, then mix with a spoon in a crisscross motion (and it's preferable to remove the spoon upon each stroke). [7] or according to some mixing it with the handle of the spoon or knife is sufficient. [8]

Making a thick batter

  1. If one can't prepare a thick dough before Shabbat one should at least put liquid into the solid so that it becomes moist and mix it a little and then on Shabbat one will be allowed to add more liquid and mix it. [9]

Mashing a banana

  1. It's permissible to mash a banana with the handle of a fork or spoon. [10]
  2. However it is forbidden to add any liquid to such a mixture. [11]

Making salad

  1. It's permissible to pour oil, vinegar, or mayonnaise on vegetables which are cut into slightly large pieces and even add spices. [12]

Other examples

  1. It's permissible to pour honey on whole nuts. [13]
  2. It's permissible to mix sugar and cocoa powder or cinnamon. [14]

References

  1. ↑ Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 8:1
  2. ↑ As is evident from gemara Shabbat (18a), mixing flour and water is a violation of Losh (Menuchat Ahava 9:1). Chut HaSheni (Shabbat vol 1 pg 105) defines Losh as the prohibition to mix two ingredients using a liquid to form a dough.
  3. ↑ In Gemara Shabbat (18a) there is a dispute whether one is liable for violating Losh by simply pouring liquid into flour or only if one both pours in the water and mixes it. The majority of the Rishonim hold that one isn't biblically liable until one has both poured in water and mixed it into dough (Mishna Brurah 321:50), nonetheless, Mishna Brurah 321:57 (quoting the Magan Avraham) there is a rabbinic prohibition even for just pouring liquid into flour or the opposite. This is also the ruling of Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 8:5, 39 Melachos (by Rabbi Ribiat, vol 1, pg 531), and Menuchat Ahava 9:1.
  4. ↑ Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 8:6 based on Biur Halacha 321:15 D"H Ein
  5. ↑ S"A 321:15, Mishna Brurah 321:58, Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 8:7
  6. ↑ Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 8:7
  7. ↑ Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 8:9
  8. ↑ Sh"t Igrot Moshe 4:74 (Losh #6, in some editions #11), 39 Melachos (Rabbi Ribiat, vol 1, pg 545)
  9. ↑ Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 8:10
  10. ↑ Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 8:3 writes that it's permissible in terms of Losh even though it sticks together because it is not composed of two ingredients. Nonetheless due to a concern of Tochen one must use the handle of a fork or spoon. A similar analysis is found in Sh"T Igrot Moshe 4:74 (Losh #2 at the end) and Chazon Ish (OC 58:9 D"H Yesh)
  11. ↑ Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 8:3
  12. ↑ Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 8:4 explains that since the ingredients don't stick together into one dough.
  13. ↑ Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 8:4 explains that since the ingredients don't stick together into one dough.
  14. ↑ Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 8:4 explains that since the ingredients don't stick together into one dough. Chut HaSheni (vol 1 pg 105) agrees.
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