We will now begin reviewing the Melachos of Boneh and Soser, building and destroying, on Shabbos. This set of Halachos is quite intricate and full of details and sometimes surprising applications which B’Ezras Hashem we will understand more fully by the time we get through them.
1) It is prohibited to build something on Shabbos, even if the item being built is only partially built, the transgression is in effect for the part that was built. (Mishna and Talmud Shabbos 102b. See also Rambam Hilchos Shabbos Perek 10:12)
Even one who fills in a small crack in an otherwise fully built wall has transgressed the Melacha of Boneh. (ibid.)
2) Any improvement made to any existing structure is a transgression of Boneh even if nothing was actually added to the structure. (See Talmud Shabbos 73b)
Even if one makes a hole in an existing wall for the purpose of placing a window into that space, or even for the purposes of the hole allowing outside air or light into the home, the Melacha of Boneh has been transgressed. (Rambam Hilchos Shabbos Perek 10:14)
3) Hanging a door or a window onto its hinges, or inserting them onto their tracks is a transgression of the Melacha of Boneh.
Thus, if a window or door fell off its hinges or out of their tracks, in a way that makes the window or door unusable or difficult to maneuver and use for its intended purpose, in most instances it would be prohibited to reinsert them into the hinges or tracks. (See Chazon Ish Orach Chaim Siman 50:10 Dibur Hamaschil Rav Meir)
A Rav must be consulted in each individual case to determine the Halacha.
4) It is prohibited to knock a nail into a wall on Shabbos.
Doing so, according to some opinions, is a transgression of the Melacha of Boneh. (See Talmud Shabbos 103b where there is a dispute if this is a transgression of Boneh or Makeh B’Patish. (See also Mishna Berura Siman 314:8 where he rules that if the nail is knocked in as a hook to hang things on it is a transgression of Makeh B’Patish)
Likewise, any other items that are attached to an existing structure on Shabbos will be a transgression of Boneh, details of which we shall learn as we progress B’Ezras Hashem.
5) Mounting a faucet to a wall on Shabbos is a transgression of the Melacha of Boneh, as anything that is attached to a fixed structure (Mechubar L’Karka) is considered adding on to that structure.
If part of the piping, strainer or any other part of the faucet fell off on Shabbos, it is prohibited to reattach it, as since these are meant to always remain attached to the faucet it will be considered adding on to the structure if they are reattached. (See Chazon Ish Orach Chaim end of Siman 53)
6) Loosely placing a towel, washcloth or other item on top of the faucet is permissible, as since it is only there temporarily it isn’t considered adding on to the structure.
Wrapping the towel firmly around the faucet, however, should be avoided as doing so is a concern of Boneh. (See Chazon Ish ibid.)
7) Part of a structure or part of a utensil that became loose may not be tightened on Shabbos.
Thus, for example, a handle of a faucet or a knob of a dresser drawer or a doorknob that became loose may not be screwed on or otherwise tightened on Shabbos.
8) Digging a hole in the ground, for the purposes of placing things in it, is a transgression of the Melacha of Boneh, [as well as other transgressions]. (See Talmud Shabbos 102b)
To be continued next week B’Ezras Hashem
