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...
Reciting "Ha'mapil" and "Hareni Mochel " Before Going to Sleep
How To Properly Bow During Kaddish
Is It Proper To Join The Minyan or Appropriate To Start At The Beginning When Arriving To Shul Late At the Time of Amidah
Some Laws On Kadish
Are Kohanim Required To Wash Again For Musaf After Having Washed Already for Birkat Kohanim in Shacharit
Washing One's Hands Before Kiddush on Shabbat Morning
Washing One's Hands Before Kiddush on Friday Night
Using Beverages Other Than Wine for Kiddush
Using Sweetened Wine for Kiddush
Using Beverages Other than Wine and Grape Juice for Kiddush on Shabbat Morning
The Requirement to Eat After Kiddush
Which Kind of Wine Should One Use for Kiddush?
Passing the Kiddush Cup Around the Table After Kiddush
If Nobody Drank the Required Amount of Kiddush Wine
Drinking From the Kiddush Cup
Page of 239
3585 Halachot found