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...
A Woman's Obligations When the Torah is Removed From the Heichal and During Torah Reading
Bringing Young Girls to the Synagogue
Must a Married Woman Cover Her Hair?
May one use Moist Towelettes for Mayim Aharonim?
How To Do Birkat Kohanim When There Are Only Kohanim Present In Shul
Do We Believe Somebody Who Says He’s a Kohen?
Must a Kohen Wash for Birkat Kohanim if He Had Already Washed Earlier
Wearing Tefillin at Minha on a Fast Day
May One Make a Bar Misva Celebration the Night Before a Fast Day?
Keeping Bread on the Table During Birkat Hamazon
The Status of Water Condensation Regarding Berachot, Mayim Acharonim and Shabbat
Mayim Acharonim- A Foul Spirit ?
The Obligation to Drive Responsibly
May a Third Party Pay Somebody to Lend Money to His Fellow?
May a Lender Charge the Borrower for Expenses Incurred as a Result of the Loan?
Page of 239
3585 Halachot found