#277: Tablecloths

1. We mentioned previously that according to the Rema, any indiscriminate scattering of a substance by force of wind is also considered zoreh, even if one does not separate different components of the substance. Accordingly, shaking out a tablecloth against the wind if this causes crumbs to be dispersed would be forbidden (Sefer Pnei Shabbat; The 39 Melochos, p.376). However, we also mentioned that many later poskim do not accept the Rema’s stringency (Bi’ur Halachah 319:17; Orchot Shabbat 3:132), according to which shaking out a tablecloth against the wind would be permitted. This is the more accepted opinion even among Ashkenazim, and certainly among Sephardim.

2. According to the Rema, one may not throw crumbs into the wind on Shabbat (e.g., when Erev Pesach falls on Shabbat and one wishes to disperse crumbs of chametz) (Magen Avraham 446:2). However, as mentioned yesterday, practically, many poskim permit these actions (Bi’ur Halachah; Orchot Shabbat).

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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.