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Games on Shabbat: Difference between revisions
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===Muktzeh=== | ===Muktzeh=== | ||
# Some say that snow isn’t considered [[Muktzeh]], while others believe it is. In any event it is forbidden to make snowballs or a snowman on Shabbat. <Ref> Children in Halacha (Rabbi Simcha Bunim, pg 138). Beer Moshe 1:20, Shemirat [[Shabbat]] Kehilchita 16:note 110 rule that snow isn't [[muktzeh]] based on the Gemara Eruvin 46a and Tosfot Beitzah 2a s.v. ka which says that rain is not [[muktzeh]] as nolad because the moisture was in the clouds before the rain fell. Rivivot Ephraim 1:223:1 agrees. | # Some say that snow isn’t considered [[Muktzeh]], while others believe it is. In any event it is forbidden to make snowballs or a snowman on Shabbat. <Ref> Children in Halacha (Rabbi Simcha Bunim, pg 138). Beer Moshe 1:20, Shemirat [[Shabbat]] Kehilchita 16:note 110 rule that snow isn't [[muktzeh]] based on the Gemara Eruvin 46a and Tosfot Beitzah 2a s.v. ka which says that rain is not [[muktzeh]] as nolad because the moisture was in the clouds before the rain fell. Rivivot Ephraim 1:223:1 agrees. | ||
<br /> However, Rav Moshe Feinstein (quoted in The Halachos of Muktza, pg. 165 note 10) stated that snow is [[muktzeh]] because it isn’t normally used and therefore would be like sticks or stones, even if it fell before [[Shabbat]]. In Iggerot Moshe OC 5:22 he was asked if you can move snow, based on his earlier psak that its [[muktzeh]], and says that it is prohibition because of [[nolad]] and explains what makes it different from rain. | <br /> However, Rav Moshe Feinstein (quoted in The Halachos of Muktza, pg. 165 note 10) stated that snow is [[muktzeh]] because it isn’t normally used for humans or animals to eat and therefore would be like sticks or stones, even if it fell before [[Shabbat]]. He says that if it fell on Shabbat it is additionally nolad. In Iggerot Moshe OC 5:22 he was asked if you can move snow, based on his earlier psak that its [[muktzeh]], and says that it is prohibition because of [[nolad]] and explains what makes it different from rain. | ||
* Rav Elyashiv in Shalmei Yehuda (pg 203) and Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata consider snow to be non-[[Muktzeh]], while Sh”t Igrot Moshe 5:22(37) and Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach in Sefer Tiltulei [[Shabbat]] (pg 13) consider it severe [[Muktzeh]]. </ref> | * Rav Elyashiv in Shalmei Yehuda (pg 203) and Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata consider snow to be non-[[Muktzeh]], while Sh”t Igrot Moshe 5:22(37) and Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach in Sefer Tiltulei [[Shabbat]] (pg 13) consider it severe [[Muktzeh]]. Dirshu 338:38 cites the dispute.</ref> | ||
===Shoveling=== | ===Shoveling=== | ||
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==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 | ==Playing with a Ball== | ||
===Ball Playing=== | |||
# 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 | # It’s forbidden to get a ball out of a tree whether by hand or using a stick. <Ref>Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 16:7, Mishna Brurah 336:3, 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 the opening is usually tied after inflation, the ball is [[Muktzeh]] and can’t be used. <Ref>Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata 16:8, Binyan [[Shabbos]] pg. 137. Rav Elyashiv (quoted in Shalmei Yehuda pg. 92) however, holds that it is a problem of uvda dichol. see also Sh"t Minchat Yitzchak 6:30 and Sh"t Chelkat Yaakov 3:159 who are stringent as well </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 the opening is usually tied after inflation, the ball is [[Muktzeh]] and can’t be used. <Ref>Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata 16:8, Binyan [[Shabbos]] pg. 137. Rav Elyashiv (quoted in Shalmei Yehuda pg. 92) however, holds that it is a problem of uvda dichol. see also Sh"t Minchat Yitzchak 6:30 and Sh"t Chelkat Yaakov 3:159 who are stringent as well </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]] | # 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> | ||
# Some hold that it is forbidden to play soccer on Shabbat because it is usually played outdoors on unpaved ground.<ref>Rav Nevinsal in Byitzchak Yikareh on m"b 308:158 writes that games which are generally played on dirt are forbidden to play on Shabbat because of the gezerah that you'll come to flatten the ground. Therefore, he says that since soccer is played outside on unpaved ground it is forbidden. Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata 16:6 implies that soccer is forbidden for this reason as well. Menchat Ahava v. 1 p. 333 writes that it is forbidden to kick a soccer ball because they are muktzeh. See Kesot Hashulchan 110:16 who forbids soccer because it is the way of the non-Jews. </ref> Others argue that it isn't forbidden because of the concern that you'll flatten the ground.<ref>Shaalei Tziyon 11 by Rav Dov Eliezerov writes at length about playing soccer on Shabbat. He says that in terms of the concern that you'll fallen the ground there's no concern by soccer because there's no concern that a person is going to get a shovel to fix the ground and even fixing it with you feet is an abnormal play to flatten ground which wouldn't be a Biblical violation of Shabbat. He concludes that if the case is that people do flatten the ground when playing soccer it would be forbidden. See there where he forbids soccer on Shabbat because of a concern that people will think that you inflated it on Shabbat. He writes that Rav Tzvi Pesach Frank agreed with him on his entire article and Rav Uziel wasn't sure about whether it is permitted or forbidden. Vayomer Moshe 2:10 cites conflicting oral rulings from Rav Ovadia Yosef whether soccer was technically permitted on Shabbat.</ref> | |||
# Playing basketball is permitted with respect to the concern of flattening the ground.<ref>Byitzchak Yikareh on m"b 308:158 writes that since basketball is played on paved ground there's no concern of flattening the ground.</ref> | |||
#Some hold that an adult should never play games because of Moshav Leytzim.<ref>Mishna Brurah 338:21 citing the Mahara Sason</ref> See the introduction to this page. | |||
===Are Balls and Games Muktzeh?=== | |||
# A play-ball according to some Sephardic poskim is [[Muktzeh]],<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 308:45 writes that a ball is muktzeh. It is based on the Shibolei Haleket 121 and Agur 521. Why is a ball muktzeh? | |||
* Gra 308:90 explains that the Yerushalmi holds it is forbidden to play ball and as such balls are muktzeh. This is implied by the Bet Yosef who cited the Yerushalmi as a proof for the prohibition. | |||
* Magen Avraham 308:72 explains that the ball isn’t designated to be non-muktzeh. Pri Megadim E”A 308:72 explains that a child’s intent is insufficient to designate muktzeh to be used. Furthermore, he adds that the child must not have used it once before Shabbat, otherwise it would be non-muktzeh. Machasit Hashekel 308:72 implies a similar approach. | |||
* Mishna Brurah 308:156 argues that it is muktzeh since playing isn’t a reason to make something non-muktzeh. Or Letzion 2:26:8 agrees. | |||
* The Laws of Muktzeh by Rabbi Simcha Bunim Cohen p. 147 writes that the Shibolei Haleket 121 himself that one reason to forbid balls is because there's no reason to play balls and that is considered useless, shelo ltzorech klal, for which even a kli shemelachto lheter is forbidden. | |||
** Does this apply to modern balls? | |||
* Shevut Yitzchak (pg 89) quotes Rav Elyashiv (see also Sefer Orchos Shabbos 19:76 and Dirshu Mishna Brura 308:161 who quote Rav Elyashiv and others who rule leniently even for those who follow the Shulchan Aruch), as saying that even Shulchan Aruch would agree that the modern play-ball is non-[[Muktzeh]]. Similarly, Byitzchak Yikareh 308:45 cites Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach that balls today aren't muktzeh even for Sephardim. However, the Mishna Brurah 308:157 implies that the mere fact that one plays with an item as a ball does not give it the status of a kli, which would seem to imply that even if it were manufactured to be a ball it would be prohibited according to the Shulchan Aruch. | |||
* Yalkut Yosef (Kitzur S”A 308:84; authored by Rav Yitzchak Yosef) writes one should follow Shulchan Aruch 308:45 that considers all balls to be [[Muktzeh]]. [http://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=19979&pgnum=235 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. Mekor Neeman 414 is also strict. | |||
* Chazon Ovadia (Shabbat v. 3, p. 99; authored by Rav Ovadia Yosef) rules that nowadays since the balls are made to this purpose they aren't [[Muktzeh]]. | |||
* Rabbi Hershel Schachter (Gemara Shabbos Shiur 87) explained in shiur that chazal patterned the prohibition of tiltul keilim after the biblical guidelines in hilchos tumah. Consequently, the Shulchan Aruch felt that since a ball is not considered a kli in regards to hilchos tumah it cannot be considered a kli and is therefore muktzah on Shabbos. See Shibolei Haleket who seems to support this point.</ref> while Ashkenazic poskim hold it’s Kli Sh’Melachto LeHeter <ref> For Ashkenazim the Rama 308:45 certainly considers balls to be non-[[Muktzeh]]. Rav Moshe Feinstein quoted by Sefer Tiltulei [[Shabbat]] (pg 22 note 16), Rav Elyashiv in Shalmei Yehuda (pg 91), and Sh"t [[Shevet Halevi]] 9:78 agree.</ref> | |||
# For Sephardim some hold that all games are muktzeh,<ref>Rav Meir Mazuz in Mekor Neeman 414 writes that games and balls are all muktzeh since the fact that you play with them doesn't make them into a kli. For children unless they will listen it is better not to tell them since they won't listen. Menuchat Ahava 1:12:50 writes that balls and toys are muktzeh. Only toys that are specific for children below the age of 2 aren't muktzeh.</ref> while others disagree.<ref>[http://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=19979&pgnum=235 Or Letzion 2:26:8], Chazon Ovadia (Shabbat v. 3, p. 99). Or Letzion writes that balls are muktzeh since they don't have a use and playing isn't a use. Accordingly, perhaps games are also muktzeh. Maybe they aren't since they are clean enough to cover a pot with toys aren't muktzeh. Yet, according to those who say that balls are muktzeh because ball playing is forbidden but it isn't clear that applies to all toys.</ref> | |||
#Some say that electronic toys which are primarily while activating electricity that are for small children (below chinuch) are a kli shemelachto lheter.<ref>Tiltulei Shabbat p. 26 quotes Rav Moshe Feinstein as holding that toys that are designated for children aren’t a kli shemelacho lisur since they can play with the toys and they’re permitted to do so.</ref> | |||
==Bikes== | ==Bikes== | ||
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# 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 | ==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. Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata quotes Rav Shlomo Zalman who explains that winding the toy isn't similar to winding a watch that stopped (Mishna Brurah 338:15) since the watch is meant to work always to tell the time and when it stopped it is broken but a windup toy only works when you wind it.</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> | ||
==Binoculars and Telescopes== | ==Binoculars and Telescopes== | ||
# It is permissible to use binoculars or a telescope on [[Shabbat]], provided that no electricity or special assembly equipment is used. <ref> Shemirat [[Shabbat]] Kehilchita 16:45 </ref> | # It is permissible to use binoculars or a telescope on [[Shabbat]], provided that no electricity or special assembly equipment is used. <ref> Shemirat [[Shabbat]] Kehilchita 16:45 </ref> | ||
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==Lego or Tinkertoy== | ==Lego or Tinkertoy== | ||
[[Image:Lego.jpg|200px|right]] | [[Image:Lego.jpg|200px|right]] | ||
# | # Many poskim hold that playing with Lego or Tinkertoy is permitted and isn’t considered building (see page on [[Boneh]]) and is permissible. <Ref> Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata 16:18, Sh”t Or Letzion vol 2 (chap 42:5 pg 272), Sh”t Tzitz Eliezer 13:30, Sh”t Be'er Moshe 6:25, Sh”t Yabia Omer 7:39(4), Yechaveh Da'at 2:55, Yalkut Yosef 314:1, Chazon Ovadia ([[Shabbat]] v. 3 pp. 101-103 and v. 5 pp. 293-4), Children in Halacha (Rabbi Simcha Bunim Cohen, pg 135). | ||
* The Shulchan Aruch 314:1 based on the gemara (Shabbos 122b) comes to the conclusion that there is not a prohibition of boneh in regard to keilim. Therefore, in S”A 313:6 he writes one can put together utensils that are made of different parts when the connection is flimsy. However, if one firmly forces one piece into another, there is a torah prohibition. The Magen Avraham (313:12) and Taz (313:7) rule that things whose use is by constantly opening and closing them are not bound by the usual parameters of building. Chacham Ovadia Yosef (Sh”t Yechave Daat 2:55 and Chazon Ovadia Shabbos vol. 3 pg 101) quotes a machloket amongst the poskim if a real building that one intends to take apart in a short period of time constitutes boneh. He concludes that lego is permitted since the building has no permanence and it is taken apart often. Sh”t Or Letzion vol 2 (chap 42:5 pg 272), Sh”t Tzitz Eliezer 13:30 and 31, and Children in Halacha (pg. 135) agree that lego is completely permitted even for an adult. | |||
* The | * The Or Letzion's reasoning is that if one intends to take them apart in a short period of time, then it is considered like something that is usually put together and taken apart and doesn't constitute Boneh. Additionally, they are put together for fun and not in order to build. </ref> Others are strict. <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. Rav Ovadia in Chazon Ovadia [[Shabbat]] v. 3 pg 103 also points out that in the Hashmatot to Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata, it says that Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach retracted his original lenient ruling because of the variety of objects one could build with the same pieces. 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. See also Sh”t Machazeh Eliyahu 69 who raises the issue of [[Kotev]].</ref> | ||
* The Or Letzion's reasoning is that if one intends to take them apart in a short period of time, then it is considered like something that is usually put together and taken apart and doesn't constitute Boneh. Additionally, they are put together for fun and not in order to build. </ref> Others are strict. <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. Rav Ovadia in Chazon Ovadia [[Shabbat]] v. 3 pg 103 points out that in the Hashmatot to Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata, it says that Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach retracted his ruling because of the variety of objects one could build with the same pieces. 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. See also Sh”t Machazeh Eliyahu 69 who raises the issue of [[Kotev]].</ref> | |||
==Board games== | ==Board games== | ||
