HALACHA OF THE WEEK:Shoveling Snow on Shabbat While it seems to be a simple matter that shoveling snow on Shabbat should be forbidden, in reality, the halacha is not so simple [see: Har Tzvi Tal Harim Soter 1]. Were it not for the issues of “tircha” [lit. abnormal exertion] or “zilzul Shabbat" [fig. diminishing the sacred nature of Shabbat], shoveling snow on Shabbat may have been permitted. At least one contemporary authority [Nishmat Shabbat 2:247] ruled that shoveling snow should be permitted, especially when there is a concern that a person may slip and fall.
However, because people might misunderstand this leniency, shoveling snow on Shabbat by a Jew should be avoided. Nevertheless, he rules that a non-Jew may be employed to shovel the snow and even asked on Shabbat to do so because of the fear of injury [see also: Mishna Halachot 4:45].
In a similar vein, Rabbi Gedalia Dov Schwartz, ztz”l ruled that if a person has hired a non-Jew on contract to shovel snow, it is not necessary to ask the non-Jew to avoid doing so on Shabbat. He reasoned that the non-Jew is acting as a contractor and is helping to avert a danger [see Shulchan Aruch 308] and is choosing to do so on Shabbat because it is easier for him to do so while the snow is still fresh.
Furthermore, while shoveling snow by a Jew is generally prohibited, it may be permitted to use a broom to sweep snow in front of one’s home [Nishmat Shabbat, ibid.]. However, others do disagree [Lev Avraham 48].
Finally, Shmirat Shabbat K’hilchata [chapter 25 note 49] rules that it is permitted to spread salt or sand on snow or ice on Shabbat. In fact, in a case where the snow or ice may cause people to slip and fall, he writes that it would be permitted “according to everyone.”
DVAR TORAH In describing Moshe Rabbeinu's early years, the Torah writes: "The boy grew up ['vayigdal hayeled'], and she brought him to the daughter of Pharaoh...". In the very next verse states: "It happened in those days that Moshe grew up ['vayigdal Moshe'] and went out to his brethren and saw their burdens" [Shemot 2:10-11].
Why does the Torah describe Moshe as "growing up" twice? According to the Ramba"n, the answer is that the Tora was two stages in Moshe's development. The first was his physical growth - the time between his birth and when the daughter of Pharaoh adopted him. In contrast, the second verse refers to his spiritual development - his readiness to assume the mantle of authentic Jewish leadership.
But what was it about the second verse that indicates Moshe's readiness for leadership? It's simply that he left the palace "to his brethren and saw their burdens" - or as Rashi describes it, "he gave his eyes and his heart [in order] to be troubled about them".
Because a true Jewish leader never turns away from trouble or suffering but instead seeks out those in need, feels their pain and finds ways to help. As the late Chief Rabbi of England, Rabbi Joseph Hertz, notes on this verse, "He went out to his brethren. In later ages, it must, alas be said of many a son of Israel who had become great, that he went away from his brethren."
But not Moshe. He "grew up," became great, and went out to seek his brethren.
Receive a daily 3 Minute Halacha directly to your whatsapp. Click here to enroll
MAZAL TOV * to Mrs. Eva Gertzfeld on the birth of a great granddaughter. The proud parents are Tzvi and Sori Hoyton. * to Art and Sandy Aberman on the engagement of their granddaughter Tova Wechsler, daughter of Rana and Yitzi Wechsler, to Menachem Benhamou.
REFUAH SHLAIMA * to Etai Rimel who is recovering in rehab * to Shifra Yehudis Orlian who is recuperating at home * to Chaim Zev ben Rivkah Tamar Zucker CONDOLENCES * to Carol Silverman, Richard (Rachel) Silverman, Jason (Shaina) Silverman, and Rachel (Yoni) Fein, brother of Linda (Michael) Feld, and Rosalyn (Leonard z”l) Silverman on the passing of their husband, father and son, Dr. Jerry Silverman. The funeral was held in Isrel. Shiva will be held virtually through Monday night. Phone and zoom calls will be received at the following times: Thursday - 2PM-4PM CST and 7PM-9PM CST Friday - 10AM-1PM CST Motzaei Shabbat - 7PM-10PM CST Sunday - 10AM-12PM CST, 2PM-4PM CST and 7PM-9PM CST Monday - 10AM-12PM CST, 2PM-4PM CST and 7PM-9PM CST
Family members can be reached at: • Carol - 832-372-5325 • Richard - 773-569-5155 • Rachel - 713-679-1061 • Jason - 972-58-489-6208 (remember the time difference to Israel) Family zoom link - click here.
CLASSES @ KINS To be a sponsorCLICK HERE DAILY & WEEKLY SHIURIM DAF YOMI – Mon.-Friday @ 7:30am; Sunday - TBA 3 MINUTE HALACHA – RECORDED Sunday-Friday
STEMMand TORAH - Tuesdays, 12:00 noon
DAYTIME DIALOGUES: Wednesdays, 12:00 noon
30 MINUTES OF PARSHA, Wednesdays 8:00pm
FATHER & SON LEARNING, Motzaei Shabbat
SEFER MELACHIM – Sunday 9:00am
BIRTHDAYS Mr. Nechemia Gershman (1/2) Annie Silverstein (1/2) Mrs. Aviva Matanky (1/3) Mrs. Sharon Chambers (1/4) Eden Medow (1/4) Mrs. Elaine Semer (1/4) Mrs. Sarah Ungar (1/4)
BIRTHDAYS Aharon Levitt (1/6) Ezra Isenberg (1/7) Mr. Mordechai Smith (1/7) Mrs. Devora Sorscher (1/8)
ANNIVERSARIES Mr. and Mrs. Zevi David (1/3)
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
MOVIE: “Driving West Rogers Park: Chicago’s Once and Future Jewish Neighborhood,” updated since its screening three years ago at Cong. KINS, is available for viewing online at www.jndcchicago.org . Treat yourself for Hannukah to the story of the rebound of West Rogers Park!
COVID TRACING Community Counter (communitycounter.org) is a comprehensive Covid-19 resource for our community. CC has an extensive list of testing resources and can assist if you have tested positive and would like support with meals, counseling, plasma trials or finding solid medical and public health guidance. You can help keep our community safer by completing a short survey (anonymously, if you prefer) for contact tracing. Endorsed by local Rabbanim, doctors and several public health depts. Together, we can save lives!
Congregation K.I.N.S. of West Rogers Park 2800 W. North Shore Ave • Chicago, IL 60645 P 773.761.4000 • F 773.761.4959 • www.congkins.org
DAF YOMI – Mon.-Friday @ 7:30am; Sunday - TBA
3 MINUTE HALACHA – RECORDED Sunday-Friday
DAYTIME DIALOGUES
30 MINUTES OF PARSHA, Wednesdays 8:00pm
FATHER & SON LEARNING, Motzaei Shabbat
SEFER MELACHIM – Sunday 9:00am