1. Poskim discuss whether one can prepare techinah on Shabbat. Preparing techinah from sesame seeds would be problematic due to the melachah of tochen (grinding) and also perhaps due to losh. Using raw liquid techinah paste sold commercially (known in Hebrew as טחינה גולמית) is less problematic because it is already ground up, but still may involve questions of losh. This techinah is usually made by adding water and other spices and mixing. In this case, sometimes the mixture thickens and could even be classified as a thick mixture.

2. Some poskim hold that one may make it but must add a significant amount of water before adding in the techinah, thus making it into a thinner mixture (belilah rakkah) and changing the order of pouring (for those that require it for belilah rakkah, as discussed in previous posts), and then using a shinui when stirring (Shemirat Shabbat K'hilchatah 8:31). Other poskim permit making it normally, provided one prepares it shortly before eating and mixes gently (Menuchat Ahavah, vol.2, 9:17). A third group of poskim permit preparing techinah entirely in the normal manner on Shabbat without any restrictions, as the stage where it is a thick mixture is temporary (Ohr Ltzion 2:33; Peninei Halachah 12:4). It is preferable to comply with the stricter opinions if possible and mix the techinah with a shinui and with a lot of liquid, since this could involve a Torah prohibition if preparing it results in a thick mixture, though those that prepare it normally certainly have a basis to rely on. [For further discussion, see https://www.yeshiva.org.il/ask/86508 and https://www.toraland.org.il/6619.]

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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.