#308: Tochen: Introduction

1. The next melachah following borer is tochen, which literally means grinding, but actually encompasses two different types of actions. The first is actual grinding, such as wheat into flour. The second is chopping very small pieces. Thus, the Shulchan Aruch writes that one who chops vegetables “very finely” is liable for tochen on a Torah level.

2. It is unclear what is considered chopping “very finely.” It is generally acceptable to cut the pieces somewhat larger than one usually cuts it during the week (Biur Halachah 321:12). This will be explained later in the week.

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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.