Working on Friday Afternoon

Working Friday Afternoon

One should not work on Friday afternoon past the time for Mincha. It is debated whether this means 6.5 halachic hours after sunrise (Mincha Gedola) or 9.5 halachic hours after sunrise (Mincha Ketana). The reason is debated as well; one opinion holds that it's because we want to prevent one from transgressing the laws of Shabbos if he runs too late, and the other opinion says the reason is to leave time to prepare for Shabbos. While there are various leniencies (mentioned below), a G-d fearing person should do his best to abide by this law. One who unrightfully does not abide by this law will not gain from the work that he does after the time for Mincha.

Leaving with Time to Prepare for Shabbat

Others are Preparing for Shabbos

1. Some say that if others are taking care of the Shabbos preparations, one is allowed to work past the time for Mincha. There are those who say that this leniency does not apply past Mincha Ketana (even if other leniencies do).

Lenient Opinions

Salaried Workers

1. Some hold that the law of not being able to work past the time for Mincha on Friday afternoon only applies to bosses, but employees (salaried workers who do not have flexibility with their hours) can continue working past the time for Mincha.

Financial Loss

1. The laws of Friday afternoon are not more stringent than the laws of Chol HaMoed. Therefore, if missing work on Friday afternoon would cause one to undergo a great financial loss, it's permitted to work then, just as it would be on Chol HaMoed.

Finishing a Job Under Compelling Circumstances

1. Some hold that law of not being able to work past the time for Mincha on Friday afternoon only applies to working on new assignments, but finishing up existing assignments is permitted.

Retail Selling and Keeping Stores Open

1. Some say that since retail selling and keeping stores open are not very strenuous, they are not really considered work and are therefore permitted after the time for Mincha on Friday afternoon. A Jew, however, does not have permission to buy past the time for Mincha on Friday afternoon (unless it's for something required for Shabbos).

Making Extra Money for Shabbos

1. If one is poor and needs to make money after Mincha on Friday afternoon in order to support himself, he is permitted to work then.