#227: Introduction to the Melachah of Kotzer

1. The melachah of kotzer, the third of the 39 melachot, is defined as detaching or uprooting any living plant or vegetation from the ground or its source of vegetation (Rambam, Shabbat 8:3). Therefore, cutting a branch, leaf, or fruit off a tree or pulling grass out of the ground violates the melachah of kotzer. However, detaching a branch from a dead tree or pulling up dead grass constitutes only a rabbinic prohibition (Mishnah Berurah 336:57; Orchot Shabbat 18:55).

2. Kotzer only applies to vegetation still attached to the ground. Therefore, it is permitted to break an already detached branch or twig while walking (Rema, O.C. 336:8; Yalkut Yosef, Kotzer 336:2). However, one may not do so directly with one’s hands since all vegetation is muktzeh on Shabbat and may not be touched directly. If something is designated for decorative purposes before Shabbat it is not muktzeh.

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Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for the hostages to be released safely to their families and may everlasting peace come to Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.