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...
Visiting the Sick and Comforting Mourners on Shabbat
Crushing Ice or Sugar Cubes on Shabbat
The Recitation of “Nishmat” on Shabbat Morning
Does a Woman Recite Shehehiyanu the First Time She Lights Shabbat Candles?
Reading by an Electric Light on Shabbat
The Importance of Tosefet Shabbat – Adding Time Onto Shabbat
Oneg Shabbat – Enjoying Oneself on Shabbat
Reheating Cold Liquid on Shabbat
Announcing a Lost Mukseh Item on Shabbat
If the Person Who Recites Kiddush Speaks Before Drinking the Wine
May a Husband Repeat Habdala For His Wife if He Had Recited it in the Synagogue?
Is it Permissible to Add Hot Water to a Pot of Dry Hamin on Shabbat?
Using a Crockpot on Shabbat
Placing Food Wrapped in Tin Foil on a Blech Before Shabbat
The Requirement to Eat Immediately After Kiddush
Page of 239
3585 Halachot found