ASK THE RABBI
TO TEAR OR NOT TO TEAR: TISSUE USE ON SHABBOS
Adapted from the weekly Shabbos afternoon halacha class. Email your questions to [email protected]
Question:
May one rip tissue paper or paper towel on Shabbos?
Answer:
There are (at least) three items to consider in order to properly answer the question. Though in the end we will conclude with a manner of permissibility, as we shall see below, some of these issues are a matter of dispute. As such, it is best to rip tissue paper and paper towel before Shabbos, or to use such tissues that are designed to dispense one sheet at a time.
Having said that, here are the three items:
1: קורע – “Tearing” is one of the 39 prohibited works on Shabbos. However, there are limitations to this prohibition. Most notably the fact that it is only forbidden when done with the intention of reattaching the two ripped ends. This is because, like all the 39 prohibited works on Shabbos, one is only (biblically) liable when there is a constructive element to the act. As such, considering that we have no intention of reattaching the ripped tissue or paper towel, there is no issue on this account. However, others maintain that if the tearing results in enhanced utility than that too constitutes a constructive activity. As such, ripping the tissue paper would be forbidden.
2: מתקן כלי – “Correcting a Vessel”. Under the broader rubric of מכה בפטיש – “Banging the [final] Nail”, it is forbidden to take the final step that would render an item useful. In the case of ripping the tissue, one can certainly understand that the tissue is now more useful since it has been ripped which would make the act prohibited. However, others maintain that “Correcting a Vessel” is only prohibited when the item in question could not be used in any other way apart from the act being taken. As such, considering that one can technically use the tissues while it remains attached to the roll, though it is unpleasant, tearing the tissue does constitute a violation of “Correcting a Vessel” and is thus permitted.
3: מחתך – “[Measured] Cutting”. One may not cut anything to an exact size. As such, should one follow the lenient opinions above, one must be certain to tear the tissue in such a manner that they are not particular of the exact size of the tissue.
Summary
A: preferably one should use pre-cut tissues and paper towel. B: should one need to use a roll of tissues or paper towel on Shabbos, one should rip it without being particular of the size of the tissue they are left with. C: An even better solution would be to ask a non-Jew to tear the paper, and instruct them to do so without consideration for the size. See footnote.
