Braiding Hair on Shabbat

Asked by Leah · January 21, 2004 · Shabbat

Question

Could you explain why you can't braid hair on the Shabbat? My (certainly not infallible) rav says it is permissible in the same way that tying shoelaces is permissible - as long as you undo it within 24 hours so as not to make it permanent. (My hair would fall out of a braid within a few hours anyway). Thanks so much for your terrific site!

Answer

Answered by Chaim Yisrael Abadi

That would be in reference to the Melacha of Kosher, but the Aruch Hashulchan Orach Chaim Siman 303 S"K #31, says it comes under the Melacha of Boneh. CYA