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 Proper Intention While Pronouncing the Letter “Dalet” in “Ehad” During Shema
Bringing Mashiah by Paying Attention to the Repetition of the Amida
Praying From a Mobile phone
Reciting Shema Right Before Sunrise
The Custom to Recite at the End of the Amida a Verse Associated With One’s Name
Explaining Why Kaddish is Mostly in Aramaic
Bringing a Sefer Torah From the Synagogue to a Private Minyan
Laws of Kaddish
Combining Two Parashiyot in the Diaspora to “Catch Up”
If Fewer Than Ten Men are Answering to Kaddish or to the Repetition of the Amida
Answering “Amen” to Birkot Ha’Torah
If One Remembered During the Beracha of “Yoser Or” That He Had Forgotten to Recite Birkot Ha’Torah
Appreciating Birkat Kohanim
Insights and Customs Relevant to the “Nishmat” Prayer
The Special Significance of the “Nishmat” Prayer
Page of 239
3585 Halachot found