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 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<ref name=":1" />.

#While one may not partake in scheduled meetings, conference calls, or the like after the time for Mincha on Friday afternoon, one may make an unscheduled business phone call, send an unscheduled business email, and the like<ref name=":0">Aruch HaShulchan 251:2</ref>.

#The laws of Friday afternoon are not more stringent than the laws of [[Chol HaMoed#Comparison of the Reasons for which Melacha is Permitted|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.

===Transacting "Business" as Opposed to "Work"===

#Work done for Shabbos needs, such as fixing a button or pot, is even permitted past the time for Mincha on Friday afternoon. This is true even if the work is done for somebody else's Shabbos needs, but only if one is not being paid for the work done (which would be proper indication that the work is really being done for Shabbos needs)<ref name=":0" />.

#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>.

#A poor person who needs to make money after Mincha on Friday afternoon in order to glorify Shabbos is permitted to work to do so<ref name=":0" />.

# [http://www.workplacehalacha.com/leaving-work-erev-shabbos/ Shiurim from Rav Ari Wasserman]

# [https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/889298/rabbi-yoni-levin/halacha-on-the-go-working-on-erev-shabbos/ Shiur from Rav Yoni Levin (under 10 minutes)]