re toothpaste and soap

Asked by martin · July 11, 2003 · Shabbat

Question

Dear Rabbi, You answered my question below with a question. Could you please explain why 1) a bar of soap and 2) regular toothpaste from a tube are permitted on Shabbat, when for as long as I can remember, I`ve been told these are smoothing? Thank you, Martin

Answer

Answered by Aaron Abadi

There are 39 Melachot. Which one is "smoothing?" AA To my limited knowledge, smoothing is probably a poor translation of Memachaik, and it`s other category called Memarayach. And I know that you know that. So please, 1) how is toothpaste not considered Memarayach? and 2) is a modern bar of soap already smooth, so that it can`t be smoothed further? Just trying to learn. Thankyou