DailyHalacha.com for Mobile Devices Now Available

Click Here to Sponsor Daily Halacha
"Delivered to Over 6000 Registered Recipients Each Day"

      
(File size: 822 KB)
Is It Permissible to Borrow on Shabbat?

In general, it is permitted to borrow items that one needs on Shabbat. The Shulhan Aruch in Siman 307 states that there are certain Hebrew words that have a problematic connotation and may not be used on Shabbat out of concern that it will lead one to write. For example, one may not ask to borrow items using the Hebrew word "Hal'veni"- (lend me). It has the implication of a long-term loan which people generally record in writing, so that they don't forget. On the other hand, it is permitted to borrow using the word "Hashi'leni," which is also a term for borrowing, but implies a shorter term.

These nuances are not apparent in English. Therefore, the Poskim state that all terms of borrowing and lending are prohibited. One may borrow by using the terms, "Give me," or "Let me have it." For example, if someone needs a corkscrew on Shabbat, he can ask his friend for one by saying, "I need a corkscrew. Please give me one, and I'll give it back to you."

-------
It is prohibited to talk on Shabbat about doing an activity after Shabbat that would not be allowed to be performed on Shabbat. For example, one may not say that he is going to pick the tomatoes in his garden after Shabbat. On the other hand, it is permitted to talk about activities that plans to do after Shabbat, if those activities may be done on Shabbat. For example, one may say that he is going to check on his garden after Shabbat, because it is permitted to watch one's garden on Shabbat.

SUMMARY
One may borrow items needed for Shabbat, provided he does not use terms of borrowing or lending.

It is prohibited to talk about performing an activity after Shabbat that may not be performed on Shabbat.

 


Recent Daily Halachot...
Making a Zimun When a Third Person Joins After the First Two Finished Eating
Can People Form a Zimun if One Person’s Food is Forbidden for the Others?
When is Birkat Ha’mazon a Torah Obligation?
Can People Sitting at Separate Tables Join Together for a Zimun?
Birkat HaMazon If One Ate a Ke’zayit of Bread Slowly, Over the Course of an Extended Period
Kavana During Birkat Ha’mazon
Must the One Who Leads Birkat Ha’mazon Hold the Cup Throughout the Sheba Berachot?
“She’hakol” and “Boreh Nefashot” if One is Drinking Intermittently in One Location
Using for Kiddush or Birkat Ha’mazon a Cup of Wine From Which One Had Drunk
If the Group or Part of the Group Recited Birkat Ha’mazon Without a Zimun
If Three People Ate Together and One Needs to Leave Early
Should Abridged Texts of Birkat Ha’mazon be Printed in Siddurim?
Making a Zimun When a Third Person Joined After the First Two Finished Eating
The Importance of Using a Cup of Wine for Birkat Ha’mazon; Adding Three Drops of Water to the Cup
If One Ate Half a “Ke’zayit” of Fruit Requiring “Al Ha’etz,” and Half a “Ke’zayit” of Other Fruit
Page of 239
3585 Halachot found