Hachona - Folding a Talis on Shabbos (Continued)

Q. May one fold their talis on Shabbos after davening (not on the creases) if they do not plan to wear the talis again until next Shabbos? Is this considered hachona?

A. This is a matter of dispute among the early poskim. The Raavad holds that a talis can only be folded if it will be used again on Shabbos. In contrast, the Ravya (12th century Tosafist) allows the talis to be folded for use after Shabbos since the talis will be refolded in any event on the creases after Shabbos. The Shulchan Aruch (OC 302:3) quotes both opinions and in his final conclusion, he accepts the lenient opinion. The Chayai Adam (44:24) sides with the stringent position, though the Mishna Berura (302:18) expresses surprise since most poskim follow the Ravya. The Aruch Hashulchan (302:11) writes that even according to the Raavad, it can only be considered hachona if one folds in a careful manner, but if folded haphazardly, all agree this is permissible.

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The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt"l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.