Rabbi Michoel Frank - Halachah and Parshah

Hilchos Shabbos - Boneh - Summary and Review

·39 min·3 clips
Rabbi Frank's front tooth popped out on Shabbat—was pushing it back in allowed?
Rabbi Michoel Frank delivers a shiur reviewing Hilchos Shabbos, specifically the melacha of Boneh (building). He opens with a personal story: his front tooth came loose on Shabbat, prompting a question about Binyan Ba'adam (building on a person). The episode then transitions to a structured review of Talmudic concepts. First, he discusses Maka B'Patesh (the final blow), explaining a machlokes between Rashi and Tosafot on its definition—Rashi views it as completing the act, while Tosafot sees it as completing a vessel. This leads to an analysis of partial completion, where Rashi's view allows Maka B'Patesh even if only part of an item is finished, as in smoothing a stone. Next, the shiur covers Binyan Bekarka (building on land), distinguishing it from Binyan Bekelem (building in a vessel). Examples include putting back a fridge drawer or bookshelf shelf, which may be prohibited even if loose, due to their status as karka. Rabbi Frank notes disagreements, such as Rav Shlomo Zalman's lenient view on drawers. The discussion then shifts to Binyan Bekelem, examining cases like assembling beds or screwing soda caps, with debates among Rishonim on whether these constitute violations. He contrasts foldable items, which are permitted, with fixed assemblies. Finally, the episode addresses opening packages on Shabbat, exploring heterim like mustaki (temporary vessels) for cans and chisalon (peel-like wrappers) for items like freeze pops. Rabbi Frank expresses skepticism about soda bottle caps, arguing they might involve Maka B'Patesh. The shiur is interactive, with audience questions and practical applications throughout.

As heard by us

A loose tooth leads into a concise, practical look at what counts as Binyan on Shabbos.

A loose fake tooth becomes a brisk, practical review of Binyan Ba'adam, as the host moves from a Shabbos mishap into braids, a medical opening, drawers, fridge compartments, a toilet tank, and bottle caps.

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Why you'd press play

You may not look at a loose fake tooth, fridge drawer, cabinet drawer, or soda cap quite as casually again.

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