Q&A: A Utensil Whose Primary Use Is Permitted on the Sabbath
A Utensil Whose Primary Use Is Permitted on the Sabbath
Question
Hello Rabbi,
I’m trying to understand the Jewish law that a utensil whose primary use is permitted on the Sabbath may not be moved on the Sabbath if it is for no purpose whatsoever.
What does it mean to move something with no purpose at all? If someone feels like picking it up just because he wants to, that also counts as a purpose, doesn’t it?
Does it mean one should avoid picking things up instinctively? That also doesn’t sound logical, because if they tell me I have to be careful all the time not to pick up a fork absentmindedly, then that itself is certainly a reason to permit it; a person can’t be careful all the time not to touch things.
What is this moving “for no purpose” that is prohibited? (According to at least some of the opinions.)
Answer
This is exactly the objection that Arukh HaShulchan raises against the ruling of the Ran. Some explained that the intention is not for a Sabbath need, but for a weekday need (as distinct from moving it from the sun to the shade, which is still considered a Sabbath need).
Discussion on Answer
Why is that forbidden? Do you have a source?
I didn’t understand what is meant by a weekday need. Does that mean he is moving something not for today but for after the Sabbath? That is preparing from the Sabbath for a weekday, and it is forbidden regardless.