Weekly Q&A about Jewish law
Answered by Rabbi Agisthein
Tochain-Grinding:
On Shabbos, we are prohibited from grinding, crushing, or chopping any object into smaller particles. The following are some practical applications.
One is not allowed to use a salt or pepper grinder on Shabbos. If one wants fresh crushed pepper on Shabbos it must be crushed in an abnormal way - with the handle of a knife on a plate.
When it comes to mashing fruit such as bananas or avocados, one should also ideally do it in an abnormal way, with the handle or back of a spoon, or with the bottom of a cup or a plate.
Chopping vegetables for a salad is permitted if done immediately before the beginning of the meal. One should cut them slightly larger than they would normally.
Things that do not grow from the ground such as cheese, eggs, or meat, are not subject to the prohibition of Tochain and can be chopped finely on Shabbos but a grater or a shredder cannot be used.
To send in a question, call or text Rabbi Agishtein at 973-545-6756 or email him directly at acagishtein@gmail.com.
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