- Shabbat and Holidays
- Electricity on Shabbat
Lawn Sprinkler on Shabbat
Question
While walking down the street on a hot Shabbat afternoon, is it permissable to walk through a gentile’s lawn sprinkler to cool off a bit (and increase my Oneg Shabbat)? I’m not asking about getting soaked as in a shower.
Answer
There is no clear prohibition. I can think of the following issues.
1. Soaking one's clothes to the extent that if squeezed water will come out is prohibited. In this case there seems to be no intention to do so, and it won't clearly happen.
2. Trespassing - if the water is hitting the sidewalk, no problem. Or if the gentile gives permission.
3. Even if there is no eruv, there would be no problem of walking around with the water unless you actually catch some in your palm or a glass.
4. Redirecting the water to the grass might consttute watering the lawn, but there is certainly no intention, nor would you care. It seems difficult to say this is an issue.
5. Although there is no technical issue, I would be concerned that walking through sprinklers on Shabbat might become a (bad) habit.
Access to security complex ,with concierge on shabbat
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Iyyar 17, 5772

Microwave light
Rabbi Jonathan Blass | 28 Tishrei 5764

Air Conditioners
Various Rabbis | 4 Cheshvan 5765

Shabbat Timers
Rabbi Elchanan Lewis | 20 Tammuz 5766

Rabbi Chaim Tabasky
Rabbi Chaim Tabasky teaches a shiur in gemarah at the Beit Midrash program of the Machon Hagavoah l'Torah at Bar Ilan University. He is also a certified examiner of STa"M (Sifrei Torah, Tefillin and Mezuzot) and a narrative therapist.

Tzniut in the Torah
29 Iyyar 5764

Saying Shma in Space
29 Iyyar 5764

Avoda Zara
5 Tammuz 5764

Can a Male Ger Become a Rabbi?
12 Av 5764

No sukkah at home
Rabbi David Sperling | Tishrei 7, 5775

Purchases during Chol Hamoed
Rabbi Elchanan Lewis | 24 Nisan 5767

Writing on Chol HaMoed for College
Rabbi David Sperling | Nisan 24, 5772

No sukkah at home
Rabbi David Sperling | Tishrei 7, 5775

Tefillos Rosh Hashanah
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Tishrei 3, 5784
Blessings and Bnei Noach
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Tishrei 4, 5784

Original Passover Meal
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Tishrei 3, 5784
