1) Although we learned that washing dirt and other foreign matter off of fruits is subject to the prohibition of Borer and may only be done under certain conditions, this prohibition does not extend to soiled dishes.
The rinsing and washing of dirty dishes is 100% permitted, as is the removal of a piece of lint or a small insect from one's clothing (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 316:9).
Likewise, there are no concerns of Borer when one is sweeping dirt off the floor.
2) One reason for this is that any item that is regularly soiled and often cleaned is not subject to the prohibition of Borer as when it is cleaned it is not deemed "Derech Borer, the manner of separating" rather it is deemed "Derech Nikui, the manner of cleaning". (See Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchasa Perek 3 footnote 7 for a lengthy discussion about this based on the rulings of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal)
Another reason given for the differentiation between fruits and dishes is that a soiled fruit is deemed a flawed fruit and the removal of the dirt via washing rectifies it, thus the removal of the dirt is an action that is considered Borer.
Dishes, on the other hand, even when they are soiled are not considered flawed dishes. (Reasoning of Rav Nissim Karelitz Shlita, quoted in Orchos Shabbos page 176 footnote 132)
Yet another reason cited by the Poskim is that the dish, due to its distinct and hard surface, can never be considered "in a mixture" with the dirt and thus not subject to the prohibitions of Borer. (Sevara of Rav Shmuel Auerbach Shlita, ibid.)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
What do the poskim say about putting sefarim on chairs or benches, with or without people sitting on them at the same time?
I know that people are meikel [lenient], but I've known yechidim who are makpid (careful) not to do it, what does the halacha pesuka have to say about it?
Answer:
It is prohibited to sit on a chair, bench etc. if Seforim are laying on them.
According to some Poskim, even if the seforim are in a standing position on the chair or bench it is prohibited.
If the Seforim are on something else, that's on the bench, and thus not on the same level as the person sitting, it may be more lenient, however it is best to be stringent in all situations as not to seem like we are being disrespectful to Sifrei Kodesh. (See Ram"a Yoreh Deah Siman 282:7 and Shach there Os 8 and 9. See also Aruch Hashulchan Siman 282:12 and Shu"t Avnei Yashfei Siman 1:16)
CHIZUK CORNER
As a Zechus for the Refuah Shelaima of one of the Gedolei HaDor, the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Stein Shlita, R' Chaim Yaakov ben Chasya Miriam, B'soch Sha'ar Cholei Yisroel, we will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO ME. THANK YOU AND TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk For Today:
Dovid's wealthy uncle from Israel, whom he had never met, arrived at his nephew's home in America.
He entered the house carrying a large bag filled with gift-wrapped boxes. "This is all for you, my nephew, Uncle Shmuel told Dovid. "You're the only relative I have, and I want you to have all these gifts."
Dovid said "Thank you! You're the greatest uncle in the world!"
Then he set the bag aside, planning to open each gift later on, in private. Uncle Shmuel responded, "Open the packages, Dovid! How can you say thank you when you don't even know what's in there?"
And so Dovid obliged. With each new gift, his gratitude toward his uncle and his admiration for him and his generosity grew stronger. Each package was a treasure, and it was all for him. Now when he said "thank you," it was a response overflowing with emotion.
Like Dovid in the story, each of us receives a vast endowment of gift packages every day from Hashem.
If we do not stop to consider the contents of these packages, our gratitude is only a shadow of what it could and should be.
Our recognition of Hashem's kindness is stunted.
Pesukei d'Zimrah is our way to open our packages every day, so that our love and awe toward our Benefactor can arise from the deepest, sincerest place in our hearts.
Submitted by A.C. and M.B.' Taken from praying with passion
Important Numbers
