Monday, December 21, 2009

Watering plants on Shabbat, Part II

Hi,

The prohibition against watering plants on Shabbat extends to potted plants.

However: One may water vegetables and edible plants which are separate from the ground, in order to keep them from drying out and becoming inedible. This is because those vegetables/plants could be used for the Shabbat meal.

(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 321:11; Mishneh Berurah 321:37)

Have a great day,
Mordechai
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2 comments:

  1. Michael FelderDecember 22, 2009 at 8:24 AM

    Good morning,

    It sounds from this that it might be okay to water cut flowers on Shabbos to keep them from drying out. For example, if a Shabbos guest brings flowers on Friday night, and they're for the purpose of hiddur mitzvah of oneg Shabbos, and they won't last all Shabbos long without water, can one put them in a vase and add water? If not, is it due to the "edibility" of the vegetables? What if one doesn't have the intention of actually eating those vegetables on Shabbos?

    Thanks,

    Michael

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  2. The Rebbetzin's HusbandDecember 23, 2009 at 1:50 PM

    Hi Michael,

    Sorry, but it's limited to the edibility for a Shabbat meal.

    One who does not intend to eat them during Shabbat should not water them, correct.

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