DailyHalacha.com for Mobile Devices Now Available

Click Here to Sponsor Daily Halacha
"Delivered to Over 6000 Registered Recipients Each Day"

      
(File size: 586 KB)
Issues Concerning Forbidden Speech on Shabbat

The prohibitions of Shabbat include restrictions not only on our conduct and activity during Shabbat, but with regard to our speech, as well. The Shulchan Aruch discusses the laws of forbidden speech on Shabbat in Siman 306.

Among the laws in this category is the prohibition against instructing one's fellow to come to him after Shabbat for the purpose of hiring him. This invitation constitutes weekday matters and is forbidden on Shabbat. One may, however, ask – rather than command – another person to come to him after Shabbat for employment purposes. So long as one merely makes a request, rather than instruct or command, he may invite another person to come after Shabbat to inquire about a position.

One interesting question addressed by the Rashba (rabbinic leader of Spanish Jewry, 1235-1310) concerns announcing lost items on Shabbat, particularly when dealing with items that are Muktze (forbidden to be handled on Shabbat). Consider, for example, a case of a costly electronic device, such as a cellular phone, that was discovered in the synagogue on Friday. May the Rabbi announce in the synagogue on Shabbat that a cellular phone was found, in the hope that the owner could then retrieve it after Shabbat? Do we consider such an announcement forbidden speech, since it relates to an item that one may not handle on Shabbat?

The Rashba rules that one may announce the discovery of a lost Muktze item on Shabbat. Halacha permits speaking about weekday-related matters that involve a Mitzvah. Since Hashavat Aveda (returning a lost object) is a Mitzvah, one may announce the discovery of a lost item, even if the laws of Shabbat prohibit handling it until after Shabbat.

Summary: One may not tell another person to come after Shabbat to perform a job, but he may invite him in the form of a question (e.g. "Can you come after Shabbat?"). It is permissible to publicly announce the discovery of a lost item on Shabbat, even an item that is a Muktze, since this announcement fulfills the Mitzvah of returning lost items, and one may speak of weekday matters on Shabbat for Mitzvah purposes.

 


Recent Daily Halachot...
“Lehem Mishneh” – The Two Loaves at the Shabbat Meal (Part 1)
“Kiddush Bi’mkom Se’uda” – Rice, Dates and Noodles
Kiddush At a Berit Mila on Shabbat; Hearing Kiddush in One Place and Eating in Another
Tasting the Shabbat Food on Ereb Shabbat
The Requirement to Eat or Drink Wine After Kiddush
Is It Permissible On Shabbat To Allow Security Video Cameras or Walk By A Light Activated By Motion Detector
Involving Oneself in Shabbat Preparations
The Case When Family Members Speak Before Drinkng The Wine After Kiddush Is Heard
Kiddush – If Somebody Forgot to Recite Kiddush on Friday Night; If Somebody Does Not Have Wine or Cannot Drink Wine
Reciting the Weekday Amida on Shabbat if No Siddur is Available
Asking Somebody to Peform Melacha After Accepting Shabbat Early
Eating the Friday Night Shabbat Meal Before Dark
Inviting a Non-Observant Jew to a Simha or to One’s Home on Shabbat
If One Spends Shabbat in a Hotel That Uses Electronic Keys
The Status of Electricity With Regard to Bishul Akum, Cooking on Shabbat, and Shabbat Candles
Page of 239
3585 Halachot found