1. We mentioned yesterday that the Torah melachah of tzad, trapping, is transgressed only if one traps an animal that is normally trapped for use or consumption, the animal can be grabbed in one motion, and it was not previously trapped to some degree beforehand. With regard to the first condition, an animal normally trapped for use or consumption includes birds, deer, and other wild animals that are hunted or caught (Shulchan Aruch, O.C. 316:3).

2. Trapping animals other than the types mentioned above still involve a rabbinic prohibition. Thus, trapping flies, insects, and the like, such as by placing a cup over them, is forbidden as a rabbinic level prohibition of tzad (ibid.). Nevertheless, there are leniencies that may apply in certain cases with regard to this category that may permit trapping them. We will discuss some of these in future posts.

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