The following is a discussion of Halachic topics related to the Parsha of the week. For final rulings, consult your Rav.
The coming of the summer-vacation season, when many people are away from their homes and usual surroundings, brings forth with it unique Halachic problems. Although it is difficult to envision the exact scenarios, we have chosen certain common situations which are likely to occur during the long summer season. A sampling:
A bathing suit is not Muktze. Other swimming paraphernalia, however, are considered a Kli Shmelacto L’eissur (HaRav S. Y. Elyashiv).
Unless needed for a medical condition, sunglasses may not be worn on Shabbos outside of an Eiruv.
On Shabbos, one may wear a jacket thrown over his shoulders. It is not considered carrying (Chazon Ish).
A raincoat lining may be zipped in and out on Shabbos.
A Gentile may be told to turn off the air- conditioning system if it has turned too cold and may cause people to become ill. This is permissible both in a private home and in Shul during Davening time (IG”M OC 3:42).
Some Poskim allow asking a Gentile to put on the air-conditioning system if the extremely hot weather causes major discomfort (Minchas Yitzcak 3:23). Other Poskim do not agree and prohibit this. In their opinion, even if the Gentile turned the system on [for the sake of the Jew] without being told to do so, one may not derive pleasure from his action and must leave the building (IG”M YD 3:47).
One who is being chased by a bee may capture it. If one is allergic to a bee sting, he may kill the bee.
An anti-mosquito spray may be sprayed in the air (but not directly at the mosquitoes) in a room which houses a sick person or a baby. A window or a door should be left open (Chazon Ish).
One may spray or rub on his body a mosquito repellent, provided that it is a (totally) liquid type.
All animals are Muktze and may not be carried on Shabbos. A fly, however, may be swatted away.
A fly or bug that fell into a beverage cup or into a bowl of soup may be removed only if some of the liquid is removed along with it.
Swimming on Shabbos is prohibited, even in an enclosed swimming pool.
Our custom is not to wash the entire body on Shabbos, even in cold water. Some Poskim allow a cold shower to be taken on an extremely hot and humid day if one is in distress (b’makom Tzaar) from the heat (IG”M OC 4:75).
A bungalow colony requires an Eruvei Chatzeiros before any carrying may be done.
The Eruvei Chatzeiros must be accessible. If it was locked up and no key is available, it is considered as if it was lost. Carrying is then forbidden.
If one resides in a bungalow for thirty days, he is obligated to place a Mezuza on every door which requires one. One should not put the required Mezuzos on before the thirty-day period is complete (IG”M YD 1:179).
At the end of the summer, the Mezuzos may be removed if there is a chance that they may be stolen or damaged.
One who purchased a summer home or a bungalow must put on Mezuzos with a Bracha immediately upon moving in.
Weekly-Halacha, Copyright © 1995 by Rabbi Neustadt, Dr. Jeffrey Gross and Project Genesis, Inc. Rabbi Neustadt is the principal of Yavne Teachers’ College in Cleveland, Ohio. He is also the Magid Shiur of a daily Mishna Berurah class at Congregation Shomre Shabbos.
The Weekly-Halacha Series is distributed L’zchus Hayeled Doniel Meir ben Hinda. Weekly sponsorships are available–please send email to the moderator, Dr. Jeffrey Gross [email protected].
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