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...
The Beracha When Eating Fish on a Cracker
The Obligation to Eat Bread on Shabbat, and the Guidelines for One Who Forgot to Add “Reseh” in Birkat Hamazon on Shabbat
Mentioning the Altar in the Beracha “Me’en Shalosh”
The Procedure for Netilat Yadayim; If One Forgot to Recite the Beracha Before Drying His Hands
Does One Recite a Beracha When Walking Near a Cemetery?
Which Beracha Does One Recite Before Smelling a Lemon?
Does One Recite a Beracha Over Music?
Does One Recite a Beracha When Smelling Synthetic Perfume?
Ensuring Proper Attire for the Recitation of Birkat Ha’mazon
Must a Guest Recite the Prayer for the Host if He Pays for His Meal?
When Must One Wash Mayim Aharonim, and How Much of the Hand Must be Washed?
Must One Wash His Hands Before Eating Cereal in Milk, or Cake Dipped in Coffee?
Why Does One Recite "She'hakol" Over Beer, Coffee and Tea?
Determining the Minimum Amount of Food Requiring a Beracha Aharona
Must One Repeat the Beracha Recited Over a Food or Beverage if He Changes Locations?
Page of 239
3585 Halachot found