On a Shabbos morning, Simcha was walking home from shul with his friends Shmuel and Levi. Suddenly, a strong wind started blowing, and before Simcha knew it, his kippa flew off his head. And where do you think it landed? Of course, right in the middle of a big puddle!
“Do you think I can pick it up?!” he asked his friends.
“Nope!” replied Shmuel, “I saw in the Shulchan Aruch, that we are not allowed to move a garment that’s soaking wet.”
“Oh, come on!!” objected Levi, “Obviously, in this case, it’s allowed, because Simcha does not have another kippa!”
“Well, he can just cover his head with a sleeve of his jacket,” said Shmuel.
Question: Can Simcha pick up his kippa from the puddle and wear it?
Hints & Answers
Regarding the prohibition of moving wet garments, Shmuel is referring to the halacha stated by the Rama in O.C. 301:46. The Mishna Berura (301:162) does however allow a person to pick up garments that fell in water on Shabbos if he does not have other ones to wear now*.
*Note: Menucha’s answer are not to be taken as final decisions in halacha, but rather as a springboard for discussions & further study.