Making Sushi on Shabbos

Is it permissible to make Sushi on Shabbos? Is it muktza?

(A subscriber's question)

Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 308:32) writes that unsalted raw fish is muktza, because it serves no purpose on Shabbos. However in our days, if one has cuts of raw fish that are edible as sushi, then they are not muktza. However, Rav Belsky, zt”l, questioned whether one may make sushi on Shabbos. The Chayei Adam 39:1 writes that the melacha of boneh (building) applies to food as well, and that attaching foods together to produce a desired picture or shape, is included in this prohibition. Since shaping sushi might be included in this prohibition, Rav Belsky, zt”l, recommended that one should not make sushi on Shabbos with the intent of making a specific design or pattern.

The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt”l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.