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...
Leaving Leftover Bread on the Table for Birkat Ha’mazon
Covering or Removing the Knife Before Birkat Ha’mazon
Berachot When There is A Seudah Within A Seudah When Changing A Tablecloth
Must One Eat a Kezayit of Bread for the Hamosi to Exempt Other Foods?
Berachot after Changing Locations: Part IV
Berachot after Changing Locations: Part III
Berachot after Changing Locations: Part II
Berachot after Changing Locations- Part 1
Does The Beracha Aharona of Hagefen Cover Other Beverages?
Saying “Savri Maranan” and “L’haim” Before Reciting The Beracha of HaGefen
Which Beracha Does One Recite Over Sugar?
The Beracha Recited Over Bananas, Strawberries, Squash, Pineapples, Eggplants and Peppers
The Beracha for Fruit Juice
Which Beracha Does One Recite on Cornflakes?
What Beracha Does One Recite Over Fried Bread?
Page of 239
3585 Halachot found