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Games on Shabbat: Difference between revisions

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# A toy that hangs from the crib is not [[muktzeh]] because although it does make noise it can also be used to look at.<ref> Shalmei Yehuda 5:15, [[Shevet Halevi]] 9:78 </ref>  
# A toy that hangs from the crib is not [[muktzeh]] because although it does make noise it can also be used to look at.<ref> Shalmei Yehuda 5:15, [[Shevet Halevi]] 9:78 </ref>  


==Playing with sand==
==Playing with Sand==
#Since sand in a sandbox is designed before Shabbat and is not muktzeh, children may play in the sandbox. They should be careful not to pour in water because that would be a violation of losh, kneading. Additionally, it is forbidden to play in moist sand since the holes or towers have some permanence.<ref>Mishna Brurah 498:73, Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata 16:4</ref>
#Kinetic sand is similar to moist sand and is prohibited on Shabbat since it sticks together, and its formations could last.<ref>[[Asicha_Hilchos_Shabbos_Part_2| Rav Willig (Asicha Shabbos 2 p. 10)]]</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). see page on [[Losh]] </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). see page on [[Losh]] </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>
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==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>
# One may fold paper table napkins on Shabbat <ref> Sh"t Rivivot Ephraim 1:223:8 </ref>
# One may fold paper table napkins on Shabbat.<ref> Sh"t Rivivot Ephraim 1:223:8 </ref>
# Children shouldn't play stickers on Shabbat.<ref>Mekor Neeman 2:352</ref>
==Stickers==
# Children who reached the age of chinuch shouldn't play stickers on Shabbat.<ref>The Rambam Shabbat 10:11 explains that sticking two papers together on Shabbat is a biblical prohibition of Tofer. The Shulchan Aruch O.C. 340:14 codifies this prohibition. Therefore, [https://torah.org/torah-portion/weekly-halacha-5761-kisavo/ Rav Doniel Neustadt (Weekly Halacha 5761 Ki Tavo)] writes that if the stickers are firmly placed on a surface that they can last there for 24 hours it may be forbidden. Rav Meir Mazuz in Mekor Neeman 2:352 writes that one shouldn't let children stick stickers on paper on Shabbat. Rivevot Efraim 8:118:6, Yeladim Khalacha p. 108, [https://dinonline.org/2013/06/09/stickers-on-shabbos/ Dinonline.org], [https://www.yeshiva.co/ask/4491 Yeshiva.co], and [https://www.kipa.co.il/%D7%A9%D7%90%D7%9C-%D7%90%D7%AA-%D7%94%D7%A8%D7%91/%D7%9E%D7%93%D7%91%D7%A7%D7%95%D7%AA-%D7%91%D7%A9%D7%91%D7%AA/ Rav Meir Zukerman] agree. See Minchat Asher 2:39 who discusses Tofer regarding identification stickers in a hospital setting. See also Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata 16:30 who seems to hold that using stickers are forbidden.</ref> If the child did not reach the age of chinuch it is permissible to give the child something which he can use to do a melacha while playing for his own benefit. Therefore, if the child didn't reach chinuch it is fine to give a child a sticker since even if he sticks it onto a surface it is for his own benefit.<ref>Shulchan Aruch Harav 343:10 clarifies that there is no prohibition of giving a child something with which he might do a melacha for his own benefit. This is relevant to a child who didn't reach chinuch. Otherwise, a parent must stop their child from doing any sin (Rama 343:1 and Shulchan Aruch Harav 343:2). Bet Hillel v. 32 p. 72 applies this to giving a child a sticker that it isn't forbidden since the child can do it for his own benefit. Rivevot Efraim 8:118:6 also seems to say this as he allows giving a child a sticker as long as they don't stick it on something.</ref>
# Collecting stickers and exchanging them is totally fine if there are no words on them.<ref>Bet Hillel v. 32 p. 72 explains that there are a few types of stickers. a) If there are no words if they aren't used to stick onto anything and just collected they are a kli shemelachto lheter. b) If there are words on it explaining the picture that it depends if the words are the main thing. If the words just add to the picture then it doesn't affect it, but if the picture is useless without the words then it is a kli shemelachto lisur because it is forbidden to read those words. c) If they are used to stick onto a surface they are a kli shemelachto lisur (Luach Hamuktzeh p. 244).</ref>
# Stickers aren't mutzkeh so it is permitted to give a child a sticker on Shabbat as a prize but you should tell them not to use it on Shabbat.<ref>[http://www.shut-halacha.co.il/question_print.php?id=3518 Rav Ovadia Yosef cited by Maayan Omer 2:59]</ref>
 
==Clics==
#Some say that it is permitted to let children play Clics if they choose to but the parents shouldn't assist them.<ref>Aliba Dhilchata v. 71 p. 127 notes the ruling of Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Binyan Shabbat p. 42 and Shulchan Shlomo) and Rav Moshe (Igrot Moshe 5:22:27) who allow a child to build with legos or interlocking blocks that interlock tightly, though a parent shouldn't help them do it. He applies that logic to playing cliks on Shabbat that children who do it don't have to be stopped but the parents shouldn't connect pieces for them.</ref>


==Snow==
==Snow==
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==Magnets==
==Magnets==
# Magnets are not [[muktzeh]] on [[Shabbat]].<ref> Tiltulei [[Shabbat]]  (pg 32) </ref> Some hold that it is permissible to attach things using a magnet.<ref> [http://thehalacha.com/wp-content/uploads/Vol3Issue14.pdf Halachically Speaking] in the name of Rav Yisrael Belsky </ref> Others disagree and say that it is an issue of [[tofer]].<ref> [http://thehalacha.com/wp-content/uploads/Vol3Issue14.pdf Halachically Speaking] quoting Rav Elyashiv from sefer Migdal Dovid page 599:footnote 28 </ref>  
[[Image:Kosher Message Board.jpg|250px|right]]
# Magnets are not [[muktzeh]] on [[Shabbat]].<ref> Tiltulei [[Shabbat]]  (pg 32) </ref> Some hold that it is permissible to attach things using a magnet.<ref> [http://thehalacha.com/wp-content/uploads/Vol3Issue14.pdf Halachically Speaking] in the name of Rav Yisrael Belsky </ref> Others disagree and say that it is an issue of [[tofer]].<ref> [http://thehalacha.com/wp-content/uploads/Vol3Issue14.pdf Halachically Speaking] quoting Rav Elyashiv from Sefer Migdal Dovid page 599:footnote 28 </ref>
#Making pictures and words with magnets on a board is a major dispute whether that is considered writing, [[Kotaiv]], and is forbidden or not.<ref>39 Melachos v. 3 p. 951 forbids placing magnets on a board since it is considered like writing. However, [https://dinonline.org/2010/12/26/magnets-on-shabbos/ Rabbi Pfeffer] permits kids using magnets to make a design or drawing. Dor Hamelaktim v. 6 p. 3674 quotes Rav Moshe Feinstein (Mesoret Moshe v. 1 n. 153, Rishumei Aharon 340:3), Rav Shlomo Zalman (Shulchan Shlomo 340:35), and Rav Elyashiv (Shvut Yitzchak v. 13 p. 23) as strict unlike Minchat Ish 22 fnt. 45 as lenient. [[Asicha_Hilchos_Shabbos_Part_2| Rav Mordechai Willig (Asicha Shabbos 2 p. 5)]] permits playing with magnets and even placing letter magnets on a background and it is not considered kotaiv.</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>
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# 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 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>
# 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>
# 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>
# 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.
#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.
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==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).
{{Bike on Shabbat}}
* Even if there is a proper Eruv, there are Poskim, including the Shu"t Mayim Chaim (R' Yosef Meshash, Siman 128), who claim that it is prohibited to ride a bike, because the chain might break and one might come to fix it on [[Shabbat]]. However, the Ben Ish Chai (Rav Pe'alim, vol. 1, Orach Chaim, Siman 25 and Hashmatot) quotes the Rosh ([[Shabbat]] 2:15) that after Chatimat HaTalmud, we don't institute Gezerot of our own intuition, even if there's a tremendous Chashash. Tosafot in Chullin 104a also says something similar. In fact, the Ben ish chai permits riding a bike in an eruv but some claim that the Ben Ish Chai eventually changed his mind concerning riding a bicycle on Shabbos (see Sh”t Yaskil Avdi OC 3:12:5:4).
* The Shu"T Mayim Chayim claims further that riding a bike is some form of Melacha, as it takes skill to do it, but he never explains what exact Melacha.
* Rav Azriel Hildesheimer (in his Shu"t, vol. 1, Orach Chaim, Siman 49) prohibits bike riding since it's a Pesik Reisheh of making a furrow, but Rav Ovadia (Chazon Ovadia [[Shabbat]] vol. 4 page 40) says that since it's already Kilachar Yad, and in the Reshut HaRabbim, it's a Pesik Reisheh MiDeRabbanan DeLa Nicha Leh, and Muttar LeKulei Alma. Additionally, since the wheels are covered with rubber tires, it's like a baby carriage which is Kovesh, not [[Choresh]], and Muttar.
* Finally, Rav Ovadia concludes it's simply Assur because of Uvdin DeChol even if it's for a Mitzvah, because people use it to get to their destination quickly, and Chazal expounded on the Pasuk in Yeshayahu that one's walking on [[Shabbat]] should be different from his walking during the week. For Ketanim who have reached [[Chinuch]], it's advisable to prohibit it, but tricycles are permissible, since they're made for kids specifically, as long as one removes the bell before [[Shabbat]]. There is no difference between [[Shabbat]] and [[Yom Tov]]. This is also the ruling of the Shemirat Shabbat KeHilcheta (Perek 16, Seif 17, page 185), the Mishneh Halachot (vol. 7, Siman 71), Tzitz Eliezer 7:30:1, Kaf HaChaim (404:8), and Ohr LeTzion (vol. 2,  Perek 42, Seif 1), who also prohibit bike riding for similar reasons. see also [http://www.dailyhalacha.com/m/halacha.aspx?id=2337 Rabbi Eli Mansour] </ref>


==Swings==
==Swings==
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==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 2:42:6 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. This is also the opinion of Sh”t Beer Moshe 6:26, and Rav Chaim 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 2:42:6 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. This is also the opinion of Sh”t Beer Moshe 6:26, and Rav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg quoted in Children in Halacha (pg 140), and Rav Moshe HaLevi in Menuchat Ahava (vol 3, 22:16). [[Asicha_Hilchos_Shabbos_Part_2| Rav Mordechai Willig (Asicha Shabbos 2 p. 6)]] is also lenient. 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>
 
==Rubik's Cube==
==Rubik's Cube==
# There is a major discussion if playing with a Rubik's Cube on Shabbat is permitted. Many hold it is permitted, but some disagree based on a number of reasons. Some of the reasons include: [[kotev]], [[mochaik]], [[boneh]], and [[borer]].<reF>Rav Elyashiv (Shvut Yitzchak v. 14 p. 299) forbade playing with a Rubik's Cube on Shabbat since it is similar to drawing an image on Shabbat and arranging the pieces in a formation is considered drawing. He compares it to opening and closing a sefer with words printed on the sides of the pages. Dor Hamelaktim v. 4 p. 2603 quotes Rav Shlomo Miller who forbade Rubik's cubes because of borer since each choice of a color to move is part of a longer algorithm and doesn't create a desired result immediately. Though they quote there the Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata 16:25 and many others who are lenient.</reF>
# There is a major discussion if playing with a Rubik's Cube on Shabbat is permitted. Many hold it is permitted, but some disagree based on a number of reasons. Some of the reasons include: [[kotev]], [[mochaik]], [[boneh]], and [[borer]].<reF>Rav Elyashiv (Shvut Yitzchak v. 14 p. 299) forbade playing with a Rubik's Cube on Shabbat since it is similar to drawing an image on Shabbat and arranging the pieces in a formation is considered drawing. He compares it to opening and closing a sefer with words printed on the sides of the pages. Dor Hamelaktim v. 4 p. 2603 quotes Rav Shlomo Miller who forbade Rubik's cubes because of borer since each choice of a color to move is part of a longer algorithm and doesn't create a desired result immediately. Though they quote there the Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata 16:25 and many others who are lenient.</reF>
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