#242: The Melacha of Dosh

1. The melachah of dosh (threshing), the fifth of the 39 melachot, is defined as removing the inner kernel of produce from the outer chaff (Chayei Adam 14:1). This includes extracting any fruit, vegetable, or other produce that grows in the ground from an inedible outer shell or peel (The 39 Melochos, p. 318).

2. It is forbidden to remove peas from their outer inedible pods or a walnut or almond from their outer green husk on Shabbat due to dosh (Chayei Adam 14:1; Mishnah Berurah 319:1). However, the green outer shell of walnuts and almonds are removed before being sold, so the prohibition is not relevant to consumers. Peeling the brown inner shell of almonds or walnuts is permitted.

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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.