Working on Friday Afternoon: Difference between revisions

One should not work on Friday afternoon past the time for Mincha<ref name=":2">Gemara Pesachim 50b</ref>. It is debated whether this means 6.5 halachic hours after sunrise ([[Reference of Measurements in Halacha#Mincha Gedola|Mincha Gedola]]) or 9.5 halachic hours after sunrise ([[Reference of Measurements in Halacha#Mincha Ketana|Mincha Ketana]])<ref>Aruch HaShulchan 251:1</ref>. 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 and it will do him well <ref>Aruch HaShulchan 251:4</ref>. One who unrightfully does not abide by this law will not gain from the work that he does after the time for Mincha on Friday afternoon<ref name=":2" />, either directly or by losing the profit in a different manner.

#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<ref name=":0" />. However, some Poskim say that a Jew does not have permission to buy past the time for Mincha on Friday afternoon (unless it's for something required for Shabbos)<ref>Chut Shuni, Shabbos, v. 1 p. 63</ref>.