Q&A: Smoothing Wax Earplugs
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Smoothing Wax Earplugs
Question
Hello Rabbi, I searched Google about wax earplugs on the Sabbath, and from what I saw there are those who prohibit them because of smoothing, and others who permit them. I wanted to hear your opinion on the matter, since I’m not familiar with the topic. Basically, every time you put them in, you need to adjust them with your finger while they’re inside the ear.
Answer
I don’t know what you’re referring to. What are wax earplugs?
Discussion on Answer
There is indeed a problem here of smoothing, see Mishnah Shabbat 23:3, regarding plugging a hole in a barrel with wax, and this is also ruled by the halakhic authorities, Orach Chayim 314:11. And perhaps there is also an issue of repairing a utensil, at least if its shape remains.
Earplugs made of a material that’s a bit like plasticine. You can shape it with your fingers, so when you push the earplug into the ear, you’re basically shaping it according to the form of the ear.