Q&A: Spare Button on a Shirt — Carrying on the Sabbath
Spare Button on a Shirt — Carrying on the Sabbath
Question
Hello again,
Regarding a “spare” button sewn onto a shirt [usually on a little tag at the side]: is there an issue of carrying with it on the Sabbath? See Babylonian Talmud, Shabbat 126b, s.v. “Hani Gimel,” where it is explained that they need to be fit for use. And see Meiri at the beginning of chapter “Kol HaKelim,” s.v. “And the Mishnah,” as well as Ran and Rabbi Yehonatan of Lunel there, who write that the permission to carry them is because they are fit to be used for covering. According to this, in our case, a button that is not fit for any use should be forbidden to carry. See also Arukh HaShulchan, Orach Chayim 308, end of סעיף 25, and Tehillah LeDavid, se’if katan 11.
Is there any truth to what I’m saying, or is there some other basis to permit it, since it is attached to the shirt? I’d be glad for a response.
Answer
By simple reasoning, I would say there is no prohibition, because it is part of the shirt. Like a shirt pocket that is not currently being used—no one would say that you may not go out wearing the shirt because you are carrying the pocket.
Discussion on Answer
The spare button also is not an “organic part” of the shirt; it is just attached there for the manufacturer’s convenience.
The example of an unused pocket is not precise. A pocket is fit for use, whereas a button is not fit for any use at all—in its current state.