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...
The Proper Way for Kohanim to Position Their Hands and Fingers During Birkat Kohanim
The Proper Pronunciation of the Name of Hashem
The Importance of Learning Torah at Night
Performing the Misva of Shilu’ah Ha’ken with a Bird’s Nest in One’s Property
Reciting the Verse “Vihi No’am” Before Performing a Misva
Asking Questions To Your Rabbi
Touching a Torah Scroll with One’s Bare Hands
Kissing Somebody After He Received an Aliya
What Kind of Book or Scroll Should be Used for the Haftara Reading?
Shemitat Kesafim- Somebody Who Did Not Write a Prozbul Before the End of a Shemita Year
The Status of Willful Violators of Shemitat Kesafim
Rolling a Torah Scroll in its Case
Studying Torah in a Synagogue or Study Hall; Studying Audibly; Studying with a Partner or Group
The Reading of Parashat Masei at Mincha on Shabbat, Monday and Thursday
Earning a Livelihood - Basic Halachic Guidelines
Page of 239
3585 Halachot found