Hilchos Shabbos - Plants (Cont'd)

QUESTION: On Shabbos, a plant in my living room got knocked over, and dirt spilled on the floor. May I tip the plant back up with my foot? Can I scoop the dirt back into the planter, or sweep it up and put it in the garbage?

ANSWER: Shemiras Shabbos K’Hilchasa (26:2) writes that one may not put the plant back upright, as this is typically something that will facilitate the growth of the plant. Also, placing the plant upright will shift the dirt back into place. Anything done that helps a plant grow is included in the melacha of Zorei’a (planting). It is certainly forbidden to put dirt back into the planter as this too will assist in the growth of the plant. However, if the plant is blocking your way, you may kick it to the side. If the dirt is in the way and is bothering you, then the dirt has the status of a “graf shel re’i” (lit. a commode) which although muktza may be removed if its presence in the room is offensive. The same would apply here as well. If having a pile of dirt on the living room floor is bothering your stay in the room, you may scoop up the dirt and place it in the garbage.

___________________________________________________

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.