Q&A: Throwing Darts at a Target on the Sabbath
Throwing Darts at a Target on the Sabbath
Question
Is it permitted to play a game in which darts are thrown at a target? The board is not attached to the wall; it is only hanging.
Answer
Attaching things is prohibited even if they are not connected to the ground (like gluing). However, in such a case the prohibition is not building but sewing. Still, here this is only temporary “sewing,” and certainly there is no Torah prohibition involved. Logically, it seems to me that there is no prohibition here at all, because this is an attachment meant to be removed immediately. You have no interest whatsoever in its remaining stuck there. It is not only the short amount of time, but also the purpose.
Discussion on Answer
First, this is building in utensils, and when it is not firmly fixed and permanent, there is no prohibition of building here. Second, the hole is insignificant. Third, a hole counts as building only when it is intentionally made and fit for use. And fourth, this is an inevitable result that is of no benefit to him.
Why is there no prohibition of building here? After all, a hole is created in the target.