OU TorahAll MishnahAll HalachaAll ParshaAll Daf
#441: A Slow Moving Animal

1. So far, we have discussed the details of two categories of exceptions to the rules of trapping on Shabbat: A) Domesticated animals who do not evade capture, and B) Animals that may pose a danger or harm. The third possible exception pertains to animals that move very slowly.

2. Some poskim maintain that tzad does not apply to animals that move extremely slowly, such as a tortoise or an ant. In their opinion, such animals are considered already trapped. As we have learned previously, tzad does not apply to animals that are already halachically trapped (R. Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, cited in Shemirat Shabbat K'hilchatah 27:45). Other poskim hold that tzad still applies even to animals who move slowly, even if one does so merely to prevent damage or because they are a nuisance (R. Elyashiv, cited in Orchot Shabbat, ch.14, n.21).

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.

PreviousNext