Selected Halachos relating to Parshas Korach
By Rabbi Doniel Neustadt
The following is a discussion of Halachic topics related to the Parsha of the week.
For final rulings, consult your Rav.
Summer Halachos
The coming of the summer-vacation season, when many people are
away from their homes and usual surroundings, brings forth with
it unique Halachic problems. Although it is difficult to
envision the exact scenarios, we have chosen certain common
situations which are likely to occur during the long summer
season. A sampling:
A bathing suit is not Muktze. Other swimming paraphernalia,
however, are considered a Kli Shmelacto L'eissur (HaRav S. Y.
Elyashiv).
Unless needed for a medical condition, sunglasses may not be
worn on Shabbos outside of an Eiruv.
On Shabbos, one may wear a jacket thrown over his shoulders. It
is not considered carrying (Chazon Ish).
A raincoat lining may be zipped in and out on Shabbos.
A Gentile may be told to turn off the air- conditioning system
if it has turned too cold and may cause people to become ill.
This is permissible both in a private home and in Shul during
Davening time (IG"M OC 3:42).
Some Poskim allow asking a Gentile to put on the
air-conditioning system if the extremely hot weather causes
major discomfort (Minchas Yitzcak 3:23). Other Poskim do not
agree and prohibit this. In their opinion, even if the Gentile
turned the system on [for the sake of the Jew] without being
told to do so, one may not derive pleasure from his action and
must leave the building (IG"M YD 3:47).
One who is being chased by a bee may capture it. If one is
allergic to a bee sting, he may kill the bee.
An anti-mosquito spray may be sprayed in the air (but not
directly at the mosquitoes) in a room which houses a sick person
or a baby. A window or a door should be left open (Chazon Ish).
One may spray or rub on his body a mosquito repellent, provided
that it is a (totally) liquid type.
All animals are Muktze and may not be carried on Shabbos. A fly,
however, may be swatted away.
A fly or bug that fell into a beverage cup or into a bowl of
soup may be removed only if some of the liquid is removed along
with it.
Swimming on Shabbos is prohibited, even in an enclosed swimming
pool.
Our custom is not to wash the entire body on Shabbos, even in
cold water. Some Poskim allow a cold shower to be taken on an
extremely hot and humid day if one is in distress (b'makom
Tzaar) from the heat (IG"M OC 4:75).
A bungalow colony requires an Eruvei Chatzeiros before any
carrying may be done.
The Eruvei Chatzeiros must be accessible. If it was locked up
and no key is available, it is considered as if it was lost.
Carrying is then forbidden.
If one resides in a bungalow for thirty days, he is obligated to
place a Mezuza on every door which requires one. One should not
put the required Mezuzos on before the thirty-day period is
complete (IG"M YD 1:179).
At the end of the summer, the Mezuzos may be removed if there is
a chance that they may be stolen or damaged.
One who purchased a summer home or a bungalow must put on
Mezuzos with a Bracha immediately upon moving in.
Weekly-Halacha, Copyright © 1995 by Rabbi Neustadt, Dr. Jeffrey Gross and
Project Genesis, Inc. Rabbi Neustadt is the principal of Yavne
Teachers' College in Cleveland, Ohio. He is also the Magid Shiur of a daily
Mishna Berurah class at Congregation Shomre Shabbos.
The Weekly-Halacha Series is distributed L'zchus Hayeled Doniel Meir ben
Hinda. Weekly sponsorships are available--please send email to the moderator, Dr.
Jeffrey Gross jgross@torah.org.
The series is distributed by the Harbotzas Torah Division of Congregation
Shomre Shabbos, 1801 South Taylor Road, Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118--HaRav
Yisroel Grumer, Marah D'Asra
