Issue Number 5 --- 5 Elul, 5754
Compiled and Published by Kollel Menachem - Lubavitch (Melbourne, Australia)
in the zechus of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, o.b.m.
The Mishna [1] states that erasing letters for the purpose of writing again on the erased surface is one of the principal forms of work forbidden on Shabbos. This, as are all principal forms of forbidden work on Shabbos, is derived from the work done in the Mishkon. Markings were made on the boards (kroshim) which were formed the walls of the Mishkon, in order to know which should be placed next to which. If the wrong mark was made, they would erase it and write the correct mark. Erasing without intention to write again was not done in the Mishkon and so is not forbidden on Shabbos by the Torah. The Rabbis, however, prohibited it, since one might come to erase with intention to write.
How does this prohibition relate to biscuits or cakes with
The Remo [2] writes that breaking cake, together with the lettering on it, is forbidden on Shabbos on account of erasing, even though one's intention is only to eat the cake and not to erase.
The Noda BeYehuda (in Dogul Mervovo) [3] argues and permits breaking the lettering with one's mouth when eating or even by hand before eating. One of the reasons given for this is that breaking the lettering is a normal part of eating (derech achila) and so does not enter the category of forbidden work just as cutting vegetables into small pieces immediately before eating for the purpose of eating is not forbidden on the grounds of grinding.
The Mishna Brura [4], on the other hand, permits breaking the lettering with one's mouth while eating since this is part of eating. He forbids, however, breaking the lettering with one's hands before eating, inasmuch as this is not part of eating.
The Alter Rebbe [5] rules that even through eating, it is forbidden to break the letters. One of the reasons adduced to explain the ruling of the Alter Rebbe is that one does not normally erase in order to eat, so that erasing cannot be considered as a normal part of eating.
The Rash HaLevi [6] distinguishes the case where the writing is stamped into or engraved upon the food and permits eating it even without consideration of derech achila - and allows even to break it with one's hands. Ostensibly, there should be no difference between letters of a distinct substance upon the food and letters recessed into the food, as the prohibition of erasing applies equally to engraved writing. One reason given for the distinction of the Rash HaLevi is that there is no concern that one will erase recessed lettering with the intention of engraving over it, as it is already baked hard and cannot be engraved again in the same way. The Mishna Brura [7], based on the Rash HaLevi, rules that one may even break biscuits etc. with recessed lettering with one's hands.
The Alter Rebbe [8] appears not to distinguish between foods with overlaid or recessed letters and to prohibit eating both. Thus, for example, he writes that the matzos should not have letters formed in them, to know their order for the seder, as one will break these letters on Yom Tov, and the same will obviously apply for Shabbos. The L'Vush [9] and the Alter Rebbe do allow one to mark the matzos with dots or lines. From this it is clear that, even according to the Alter Rebbe, there is no problem of eating food with only marks such as dots or lines.
The Mogen Avrohom [10] expresses doubt as to whether the prohibition of breaking food with lettering applies also to food with patterns. Just as drawing patterns is prohibited, being equivalent to writing letters, so too erasing patterns should be prohibited. Accordingly the Mishna Brura [11] notes that some are stringent not to break food, (with one's hands) in, or on, which there are patterns.
From the Alter Rebbe [12], however, it would seem that one may eat (or break with one's hands) food with patterns. For in relation to making matzos he writes that one should not make patterns in the matzos because of the delay involved and thus the possibility of their becoming chometz. If, however, one made patterns on the matzos and did not delay unduly in making them they can be eaten on Yom Tov. One of the reasons given for this by achronim [13] is that the pattern in, or on, the food is not something separate from it but rather contributes to the shape of the food. Just as in eating any food one destroys its shape, and may do so, so too here.
Cake and biscuits (cookies), with letters of a distinct substance upon them, may not even be eaten according to the Alter Rebbe. According to the Mishna Brura they may be eaten but not broken by hand.
Where the writing is recessed into the food, the biscuits etc. may similarly not be eaten according to the Alter Rebbe. The Mishna Brura permits eating it and even breaking it by hand. Food with patterns on, or in it, may - it would appear from the Alter Rebbe - be even broken by hand.
The Mishna Brura notes that if the patterns are from a different substance laid upon the food, there are those who are stringent not to permit breaking it with one's hands.
Food with lines or dots may be broken according to the L'vush and the Alter Rebbe.
[1] Shabbos 73a
[2] Orach Chayim 340:3
[3] ibid
[4] 340:17
[5] O.C. 340:4, 343:10
[6] Ch 26
[7] O.C. 340:15
[8] O.C. 458:8
[9] O.C. 475
[10] O.C. 340:6
[11] O.C. 340:16
[12] O.C. 460:9
[13] see Birchas HaShabbos p.277
The above is not intended to decide halachic questions, but rather to clarify them in a clear and concise form. Please refer all your practical questions to your local Rabbi.
Index of Practical Halacha Pages
Please note: Many hours of research is put into compiling "Issues in Practical Halacha" and we request that you do not reproduce them in any magazine, journal, newspaper or the like. If you wish to reproduce any issue please contact us.
Information on joining the Practical Halacha mail list may be found here.
The original hard copy and softcopy of this publication was produced on computer equipment purchased with a grant made possible by the Belfer family.
İMelbourn Kollel Menachem, June 2000
Melbourne Kollel Menachem
92 Hotham Street, East St Kilda, Vic., 3183 Australia
Havienu L'Shalom is pleased to host these Practical Halacha Web pages.
If you would like to support our efforts with a tax deductible donation, please send e-mail to:
İPage Layout and Design Havienu L'Shalom, June 2000