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...
Koser – Detaching Vegetation on Shabbat
Shabbat – Wearing Fine Clothes; Greeting the Shabbat When Reciting “Bo’i Kalla”
Placing a Lemon in Hot Water on Shabbat
May a Hotel Guest Drink Coffee That Was Prepared on Shabbat?
If One Realizes There is Something in His Pocket While Walking Outside on Shabbat
Asking a Gentile to Turn Off an Alarm on Shabbat
"Amira Le'nochri" – Asking a Gentile to Perform Melacha on Shabbat
Looking in a Mirror on Shabbat
Hiring a Non-Jew for Agricultural Work on Shabbat
Borer – Pouring Out the Liquid From Yoghurt Container or a Can of Olives
Laws of Borer That Apply When Preparing and Eating a Vegetable Salad
Borer – How Long Before a Meal May One Separate Foods?
Borer- Peeling Onions, Garlic and Fruits on Shabbat
Is it Permissible to Remove the Bones While Eating Fish on Shabbat?
Peeling Fruits and Vegetables on Shabbat and Yom Tob
Page of 239
3585 Halachot found