1. We discussed yesterday how to open the bandage wrapper. Some poskim prohibit the removal of the protective paper covering the adhesive of the bandage on Shabbat due to the melachah of kore’a (tearing) (Minchat Yitzchak 9:41). According to this opinion, it is preferable to remove the protective paper before Shabbat and temporarily affix the backing to the adhesive (especially relevant if one knows before Shabbat that a bandage may be needed). Others allow the removal of the protective paper on Shabbat (e.g., R. Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, Shulchan Shlomo 328:45; R. Moshe Feinstein, cited in Halachos of Refuah on Shabbos, p.329), and this is the more widely followed opinion in practice, when needed.

2. When applying the bandage on Shabbat, it is best not to attach it to itself (e.g., when wrapping it around a finger), as this may constitute the melachah of tofer (sewing or attaching) according to some opinions. It is preferable, if possible, to wrap the bandage in a spiral so that it does not stick to itself and instead sticks to the skin (Chut Shani, vol.4, p.183; Shemirat Shabbat K'hilchatah, ch.35). When placing it on wider parts of the body, one can more easily fasten it across the skin without wrapping it around itself.

To sign up for the daily halacha via WhatsApp or email, click here.

Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for everlasting peace in Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.