Subject: FW: Hand Sanitizing on Shabbos Date: Fri, 20 Mar 2020 09:52:14 -0400 From: F Padawer <fpadawer@yeshivanet.com>
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Hand Sanitizing on Shabbos
We are all aware of the great need in these difficult times to sanitize one's hands frequently to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus. A question arises how to sanitize one's hands on Shabbos without transgressing any Shabbos prohibitions. While there are different approaches to the matter, the following is the approach that the Halacha Hotline recommends.
Essentially, there are two concerns, depending on the viscosity of the sanitizer/soap in its original form and in its dispensed form. The first is molid – creating; the second is memareiach – smearing/smoothing. Molid is relevant when one does an action to change the form of an item on Shabbos. Two examples of this are: 1) when one purposely crushes ice to convert it to liquid, and 2) when one makes jelled desserts, whereby one actively converts a liquid into a solid. (See notes.)[1],[2] At first glance, it would seem that the same would apply to using "foam soap" on Shabbos, which is in liquid form while in the dispenser and when released becomes a foam, thus creating a new form. However, the consistency of foam soap is very soft; and it is essentially a mass of bubbles, which are still considered a liquid. Accordingly, dispensing such soap would not be considered molid and would be permitted on Shabbos.[3] (See below about lathering and rubbing the foam into one's hands.)
Memareiach is relevant when one smooths a solid substance on another surface, including on one's hands. An example of this is smearing cream on one's hands on Shabbos (see note).[4] The same applies to smearing soap that is somewhat thick, including SoftSoap. While it is hard to give an exact definition of "somewhat thick," if the substance does not pour like a liquid it should be considered "somewhat thick," and thus forbidden to use on Shabbos as is. Rather, one should dilute the soap before using: One may either add water to the dispenser (before Shabbos or even on Shabbos), or one may dispense the "somewhat thick" soap into one's hand and allow some water to flow on the soap to dilute it before rubbing it into one's hands. Foam-like soap, which at mentioned above is essentially a mass of bubbles, is not considered "somewhat thick" and may be rubbed into one's hands. One may also lather and rub diluted soap or foam soap into one's hands, to satisfy the 20-second rule dictated by health departments (see note).[5]
The above is relevant to soaps. Hand sanitizers, such as Purell, however, are considered "somewhat thick" and may not be used as is. Moreover, dilution of such substances is not recommended since they do not function properly when diluted. There is, however, another option. These hand sanitizers, when left on one's hands will liquefy, due to the heat of one hands. Accordingly, to use these sanitizers on Shabbos, one merely needs to apply them to one's hands and wait until they liquefy. Then one may use them in their normal usage, which is to rub them completely into one's hands. See note.[6]
[1] When making jelled desserts, generally one first pours powder into hot water and lets the mixture cool a while, such that the liquid thickens somewhat. Then one refrigerates the thickened liquid and it solidifies. The pouring of the powder involves several prohibitions, including the melachos d'oraysa (Biblical labors forbidden on Shabbos) of Losh – kneading and of Bishul – cooking. Refrigerating the liquid involves molid. See Sh"ut Sheivet HaLevi 7:41.
[2] Some Poskim (halachic authorities) extend this prohibition to spraying whipped cream from a can on Shabbos, since the can contains liquid, which upon its release becomes foam. Others extend the prohibition to even making ice cubes on Shabbos. However, common custom is to allow making ice on Shabbos when one has a significant need for the ice (see Sh'miras Shabbos K'hilchasah 10:4 with note 14).
[3] It should be noted that there are Poskim (halachic authorities) who rule that creating bubbles is molid. However, it would seem that the consensus of the Poskim is to rule leniently in the matter – at least when there is a hygienic need.
[4] The melachah d'oraysa applies only when the substance is at least significantly firm, but there is an issur derabanan (Rabbinic prohibition) if the substance is even somewhat thick.
[5] As mentioned in note 3, there are Poskim who rule that creating bubbles (at least intentionally) is prohibited on Shabbos, which thus make lathering problematic. Again, common custom is to rule leniently in the matter and allow even lathering – at least in the current situation when there is a hygienic need.
[6] This normal usage provides an automatic added measure of halachic caution, since there are Poskim who rule that if a substance is completely rubbed in to a surface, there is no prohibition of memareiach at all. While we generally do not follow this lenient opinion, it is helpful in cases of extreme need. Here, it provides an extra measure of halachic care.
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