Snow

Believe it or not, even snow has secured itself a respectful place in Torah and halachic literature. Throughout scripture snow is frequently used as a metaphor for the ideal shade of white.[1] We are told that snow avoids melting by "hiding" in the gorge by the stream.[2] There is scriptural documentation of a record-breaking snowfall near Hebron.[3] It is the snow that falls upon the mountains in northern Israel that is the source of much of the water which flows in the many small riverbeds across the land.[4] Hillel was almost buried alive in snow when he lay on the roof of the yeshiva in his attempt to hear the Torah lesson of Shemaya and Avtalyon.[5]

As a way of conveying to us the extent of God's omnipotence we are taught that His powers "extend even to the snow".[6] It is said that God has reserves of snow for beneficial purposes as well as destructive ones.[7] Snow is also the preferred metaphor for purity, cleanliness,[8] as well as for plentitude.[9] It is said that every single snowflake is different than the next in both shape and often even in color![10]

Snow is widely cited in the context of Shabbat. For example, some authorities rule that snow which fell before Shabbat may be handled on Shabbat while snow which falls on Shabbat itself is muktza and may not be moved. [11] Other authorities make no such distinction and permit one to handle any snow on Shabbat.[12] One is allowed to walk upon snow on Shabbat even though doing so will cause footprints to be imprinted in the snow, as well as cause the snow to be crushed or melted at the same time.[13] One should not, however, intentionally melt snow or ice on Shabbat in order to use it as water.[14]

It is permissible to chop or smash snow or ice on Shabbat that is too large to use as is, however they should never be intentionally squeezed.[15] Ice can be used for cooling drinks on Shabbat without concern that in the process of doing so one is causing the ice to melt.[16] Nevertheless, some authorities rule that on Shabbat it is preferable to add ice to a drink rather than to pour a drink over ice.[17] In a situation of great need, it is permissible to make ice cubes on Shabbat although it is certainly preferable to do so before Shabbat.[18] It seems that ice, and similar foods, are actually considered liquids from the perspective of halacha[19] though some disagree.[20] One may not write words or draw pictures in the snow on Shabbat.[21]

Most halachic authorities forbid making snowballs on Shabbat. It is argued that doing so is a violation of the prohibition to "squeeze" or to "build",[22] though many authorities permit young children to do so.[23] Indeed, one need not protest if young children choose to make and play with snowballs.[24] However, a "snow man" should not be made on Shabbat under any conditions.[25]

It is permitted to spread salt upon snow and ice on Shabbat in a place where there is an eruv or even to shovel it if need be in order to prevent injury.[26] Indeed, salt was placed on the ramp leading up to the altar in the Beit Hamikdash for safety considerations whenever needed, including on Shabbat.[27] In a place where there is no Eruv it is permitted to ask a non-Jew to salt and shovel snow if needed for safety considerations.[28] Nevertheless, it should always be done before Shabbat whenever possible.[29] One who has an ongoing contract with a snow removal company to clear away the snow should best stipulate that no mechanical snow removal take place on Shabbat. There is no concern for "carrying" when snow accumulates upon one's clothes while walking outdoors in a place without an Eruv.[30] One may gently shake snow off one's clothes on Shabbat if one is careful not to squeeze the snow in the process and one does not intend for it to have a cleansing effect on the garment.[31]

It is interesting to note that one of the reasons it is forbidden to use bar soap on Shabbat is due to its similarity to crushing snow and ice. When one uses bar soap (or crushes snow) one is causing the shape of the item to change, an act which is generally forbidden on Shabbat.[32] When faced with no other option one may urinate onto snow on Shabbat.[33] A small amount of snow upon the schach of one's Sukka is not a problem but large quantities of snow might invalidate the Sukka.[34] In the event of a major snowstorm, it might just be preferable for neighbors to arrange a minyan in a home close by rather than travel to shul and risk injury.[35]

Under extenuating circumstance one may use a large accumulation of snow as a Mikva in order to immerse one's new dishes as is required.[36] This dispensation generally only applies to glass or china dishes and there must be at least 240 cubic feet of snow gathered together in one area. It goes without saying that the snow must be able to completely cover the inside and outside of the vessel at once. When using this method one must make sure that there are no air pockets within the snow as it would invalidate the immersion.

[1] See for example Daniel 7:9.

[2] Iyov 6:16.

[3] 1 Maccabees 13:22.

[4] Yirmiyahu 18:14

[5] Yoma 35b

[6] Iyov 31:21, 37:6, 38:22.

[7] Tosfot, Chagiga 12b s.v. Otzarot.

[8] Yeshayahu 1:18; Tehillim 51:7; Eicha 4:7.

[9] Tehillim 147:16.

[10] Tosfot, Shevuot 5b s.v. Shnayim.

[11] Igrot Moshe, OC 5:22; Shulchan Shlomo 310:26:2.

[12] Mishna Berura 338:30.

[13] OC 320:13; Taz, OC 320:10.

[14] OC 320:9.

[15] OC 320:11.

[16] OC 320:9.

[17] Piskei Teshuvot 320:5.

[18] Tzitz Eliezer 6:34; Shevet Halevi 3:55.

[19] Rambam, Hilchot Tumat Met 15:2; Rambam, Hilchot Tumat Ochlin 1:22; Iglei Tal, Dosh.

[20] Shulchan Aruch Harav, Seder Birkat Hanehenin 8:8.

[21] Mishna Berura 340:20.

[22] Shabbat 51b; Shemirat Shabbat K'hilchata 16:44 footnote 109.

[23] Be'er Moshe 6:30.

[24] See Devar Chevron 2:322 who also permits adults to make snowballs on Shabbat.

[25] Shemirat Shabbat K'hilchata 16:44; Be'er Moshe 6:30.

[26] Shemirat Shabbat K'hilchata 25 footnote 49; Piskei Teshuvot 338:13; Rivevot Ephraim 6:185:2.

[27] Rambam, Hilchot Temidin U'musafin 6:3.

[28] Mishne Halachot 4:45; Piskei Teshuvot 338:13.

[29] Lev Avraham 49.

[30] Shmirat Shabbat 15:36, footnote 123.

[31] Shemirat Shabbat K'hilchata 15:36; Biur Halacha 302.

[32] Rema, OC 326:10.

[33] OC 320:14; Rivevot Ephraim 2:115:112.

[34] Aruch Hashulchan, OC 629:2.

[35] Rivevot Ephraim 8:118:2.

[36] YD 201:30.