Tearing on Shabbat

Asked by Sebastian · February 9, 2003 · Shabbat

Question

1) Is tearing on Shabbat permitted? 2) If so, is tearing only permitted on Shabbat for food? 3) Can one tear open a package of paper plates, napkins, paper tablecloths etc? 4) Can one tear paper towels on Shabbat? If so, can one tear at the perferations? 5) Can one tear aluminum foil and plastic wrap on Shabbat? 6) Can one tear off those pesky paper number tags the dry cleaner staples to your shirts on Shabbat? 7) Does any tearing on Shabbat have to be done with a shinui? 8) Does one have to worry about tearing words on Shabbat? 9) Does one have to worry about creating a keli on Shabbat by tearing? 10) If so, does one have to remove all contents from the package torn on Shabbat and throw away and/or destroy the package as it is now a keli?

Answer

Answered by Aaron Abadi

1) If you are tearing to get inside the bag, like a bag of cups, etc... 2) not necessarily 3) Yes 4) No No 5) No 6) No 7) Maybe 8) Not in most cases, like opening a Sweet N Low. 9) Not usually. 10) Not in our generation.... AA