Ask the Rabbi
- Shabbat and Holidays
- Various Subjects
- Cleaning and Hygiene
Question
Dear Rabbi:
Do recent studies about the Torah explain the use of soap during Shabbat?
It is forbidden to tape two sheets or to fasten or to stick or to sew on two fabrics together.
Considering that the soap has the same function (to tape oil and water or greasy,oliy with water) hands washing is a violation?
Answer
The halachic understanding of a forbidden labor (Melacha) on shabbat, as well as many other halachot, is generally based on what can be seen with the naked eye or otherwise sensed without assistance and not on what happens on a molecular level.

Cleaning floor on Shabbat
Rabbi Chaim Tabasky | 19 Tishrei 5767

Paper towel on Shabbat
Various Rabbis |

Contact Lenses on Shabbat
Rabbi David Sperling | Shevat 27, 5772





