Plunging a sink on Shabbos

Hi,

If one's sink or toilet frequently gets stopped up, such that he will need to plunge it, then he may plunge the sink/toliet when it gets stopped up on Shabbos; this is the equivalent of washing dirtied dishes. Otherwise, though, plunging would be viewed as a form of repair.

[Rav Moshe Feinstein adds several sentences later that one may not plunge a sink which is entirely stopped up, but I am not certain whether he is referring to a sink which frequently gets stopped up, or one who does not get stopped up frequently.]

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 4:40:9)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

False teeth on Shabbat

Hi,

One may reinsert false teeth which fall out on Shabbat; we are not concerned lest he get them professionally re-set in a permanent way.

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 2:81)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Immersing utensils on Shabbat and Yom Tov, Part I

Hi,

There is some debate as to whether one may immerse utensils on Shabbat or Yom Tov. Therefore, one should give the utensil to someone who is not Jewish, and simply borrow it back; utensils borrowed from people who are not Jewish may be used without immersion.

Ordinarily, one may not give a gift on Shabbat or Yom Tov, but this is permitted because the gift is for the sake of Shabbat/Yom Tov itself.

(Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 323:7, Yoreh Deah 120:16; Mishneh Berurah 323:34)

Have a great day,
Mordechai