Opening Bottles, Cans, and Packages: Difference between revisions

# If a container is usually used to keep the original contents after having been opened, but not usually reused, it’s forbidden to open on [[Shabbat]]. However, some are lenient if one really intends not to reuse it and one does not make a neat convenient opening. <Ref>Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 9:3 </ref>

# It is permissible to open a container (which is usually re-used or at least used to keep the original contents) if at the time of the opening (or beforehand) one ruins the container by perforating the side or bottom so that it could no longer be used. <Ref>Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 9:3, Orchos Shabbos pg. 369, 39 Melachos (R’ Ribiat, vol 3, pg. 831)). Chazon Ovadia v. 5 p. 365, Menuchat Ahava 3:16:4, Or Letsion 27:7 cited by Tiferet 314:24 are lenient to rip food packages in order to eat the food. </ref>

# It's permissible to rip open a miniature pack of sugar which is thrown out right after it's opened. <Ref>Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 9:4. </ref> Similarly, one may rip open a candy wrapper, bandaid wrapper, plastic or paper seal around wine bottles or jars because these are usually ripped and discarded immediately. <ref>39 Melachos (Rabbi Ribiat, vol 3, pg 833). Chazon Ish (51:11) says that even if you have intent to throw it out, it’s still forbidden because you might end up using it. Additionally, if you don’t empty it right away, the bag acts as a kli in regards to its contents. Finally, the Chazon Ish suggests that your intent is irrelevant; in the end of the day, you’re still making a kli. It should be noted that Minchas Yitzchak 4:82:36 believes that the Chazon Ish was only talking about when you specifically have intent to not throw it out, but he would actually agree that if it is generally thrown out, it would be permitted.<br/>  </ref>

==Packages stapled close==