#7: Labor on Friday Afternoon (Part 1)
- The Shulchan Aruch (O.C. 251:1,2) writes that one who performs "melachah" (labor) on Friday afternoon will not see any berachah from his work. The word "melachah" here refers to heavy labor that is more fixed in nature, but light activities that do not take long are permitted, such as writing or typing a message, sewing a button, etc. (Yalkut Yosef 251:1). In addition, any activities performed for Shabbat needs are, of course, permitted, even when done for someone else (such as a handyman fixing something).
- There are two opinions whether this restriction takes effect from the earliest time that the Minchah prayer may be recited (approximately 1:30 pm in the summertime) or from the end of the ninth (halachic) hour (approximately 4:30 pm in the summer), but one may be lenient if one chooses (Mishnah Berurah 251:3).
To sign up for the daily halacha via WhatsApp or email, click here.
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.
