DailyHalacha.com for Mobile Devices Now Available

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

      
(File size: 470 KB)
May One Allow a Plumber to Perform Repairs on Shabbat?

The Mishna Berura (252:17) cites the Hayeh Adam (Rav Abraham Danzig of Vilna, 1748-1820) who rules that one may not allow a technician to remain in his house on Shabbat to complete repairs. Even though the technician is working on the basis of "Kablanut," a fixed fee per task, it is prohibited, because of "Marit Ayin." Outside observers may misconstrue the circumstances of the employment.

There is one exception to this principle. In cases where there is an issue of "Kavod Habriyot" (Human Dignity), e.g. a plumbing emergency, one may allow the technician to complete the repair. The Halachic weight of Kavod Habriyot overrides the concern of "Marit Ayin," which is a Rabbinic enactment.

SUMMARY
One may allow a technician to complete repairs in his home on Shabbat under circumstances compromising "Kavod Habriyot."

 


Recent Daily Halachot...
Periodically Checking Mezuzot; Placing a Mezuza in a Basement, Boiler Room and Garage
The "Yod" Knot on the Tefillin Shel Yad
If One Put on Tefillin Rabbenu Tam Thinking They Were Tefillin Rashi
Laws Concerning the Parchment Used for Tefillin
Removing One's Mezuzot Before Demolishing or Renting One's Home
Mezuzah- Is It Permissible To Wear A Mezuzah or Put A Mezuzah In A Car
The Required Intention When Making Tzitzit; Required Thoughts When Donning Tefillin
Writing the Parchments of Tefillin in Proper Sequence
Positioning the Knot of the Tefillin Shel Rosh and Kissing the Tefillin
Ensuring That the Black Side of the Tefillin Straps Faces Outward
Must the Tzitzit be Positioned the Same Way Each Day?
Is It Proper To Either Say the Beracha or Put Up a Mezuzah Again After Returning From An Extended Trip
If a Boy Ate a Meal and Recited Birkat Ha’mazon Just Before the Moment He Becomes Bar-Misva
The Pidyon Ha’ben Payment
When Precisely Does a Boy Become a Bar Misva?
Page of 239
3585 Halachot found