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...
The Procedure for the Recitation of Kiddush on Friday Night
If One Did Not Recite Kiddush on Friday Night
Is It Permissible to Read a Newspaper That was Delivered on Shabbat?
Detaching, Smelling and Watering Plants on Shabbat
Bathing on Shabbat
Sweeping and Mopping Floors on Shabbat
Combing Hair on Shabbat
Toothpicks, Floss, or Toothbrush on Shabbat
Must the Friday Night Meal Take Place Near the Shabbat Candles?
Is It Permissible To Move Shabbat Candles, Even If One Has Not Yet Accepted Shabbat
May One Add Water to the Oil Cups of the Shabbat Candles?
Shabbat Candle Lighting – Unmarried Girls, and Students in a Dormitory
If a Woman Lit Shabbat Candles Before Praying Minha
Lighting Shabbat Candles in an Illuminated Room
Warming a Baby’s Bottle in Hot Water; Cooking Rice or Kishkeh in a Pot of Hamin (Cholent) on Shabbat
Page of 239
3585 Halachot found