DailyHalacha.com for Mobile Devices Now Available

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

      
(File size: 474 KB)
Is It Permissible To Hang a Bag of Bread on a Hook

May one hang a bag or basket containing bread on a hook in a pantry, or on the wall, such that the bread is suspended in the air?

Chacham Benzion Abba Shaul (Jerusalem, 1924-1998) in Or L’tzion, Helek 2, addressed this question and cited the Gemara's comment in Masechet Pesachim (111b), "If something is suspended in one's home, it brings poverty." Rashi explains this as referring to suspending a bag or basket of bread in one's home. Certainly, then, one would want to avoid hanging bread on a hook.

The question was asked as to whether teachers may hang their young students' knapsacks on hooks on the wall in school, given that the knapsacks generally contain the children's lunches. If a teacher hangs the knapsacks, does he expose himself to the risk mentioned in the Gemara?

Chacham Ben Tzion noted that Rashi speaks specifically of one who "hangs his bread," suggesting that the Gemara refers only to hanging one's own bread on a hook. The threat of poverty does not present itself to somebody who hangs a bag of somebody else's bread.

Thus, one must ensure not to hang a bag or basket containing his own bread on a hook on the wall or in a closet, but he need not be concerned of hanging a bag with somebody else's bread.

 


Recent Daily Halachot...
May a Seller Charge a Higher Price if Payment is Delayed?
May a Lender Charge a Penalty for a Delayed Payment of the Debt?
Seizing a Debtor's Property in Lieu of Payment
Defining "Ri’bitt " (Interest)
"Ri’bit": The Prohibition Against Receiving or Paying Interest
Is It Permissible To Poach (Take Away) A Customer
The Halachic Propriety of Opening a Competing Business
Exceptions to the Rule Allowing a Neighbor the Right of First Refusal
Can a Neighbor Exercise His Right of First of Refusal if He Did Not Do So Immediately; a Business Partner's Right of First Refusal
Offering First Right of Refusal to a Partner or Neighbor
Damaging Somebody’s Property for the Purpose of Saving a Life
Is There a Liability When a Child Damages Somebody’s Property?
If One Damages Somebody’s Property In His Sleep, Under Intoxication, While Celebrating, or During a Sports Game
Liability for Damages Caused While Walking or Running in a Public Domain
The Extent of Liability for Property Damages
Page of 239
3585 Halachot found