Washing Over Grass

Asked by Sebastian · September 3, 2003 · Shabbat

Question

I posted this a long time ago but never got a response: 1) If you are having a picnic on Shabbat can you wash your hands for netilat yadayim over the grass? 2) I was taught that you could not because you are not allowed to water the grass on Shabbat - is this true? 3) If it is, I was thinking that perhaps it was p'sik reishah de'lo nicha le - in other words, your intent is to wash your hands and not water the grass? 4) Is the answer the same for Yom Tov?

Answer

Answered by Aaron Abadi

1) no 2) Yes 3) Intent is "Aino Mitkaven." However, if it is a Pesik Raisha, it is not OK, unless it's Lo Nicha Leih. You water the grass, it grows better. It's also a De'Oraita. 4) Yes. Ain Bain..... AA