A Movable Wall On Shabbos

 

Question:

In our Chabad House, we have a movable wall made consisting of 10 parts. The 10 small “walls” move on a track in the ceiling. It is entirely mechanical. In order to move the wall to put it away, there is a special tool to unlock the first section of the wall. Can the tool be used on shabbos? At times we move the wall frequently, at other times it may remain in position for extended periods of time.

Answer:

Generally, If it isn’t usual for the wall to be opened and closed on a constant basis, as in every day like doors and windows – it wouldn’t be permitted to open it all together on Shabbos.

However, since this movable wall stays on its track the whole time – there is room to be lenient to open and close it in a place of need. However, it shouldn’t be locked into place on Shabbos. There is room to be lenient with this as well when using a non-Jew. (If possible even opening or closing it without locking it into place should be done by a non-Jew).

 

Sources:

במחיצה קבועה אסור משום בונה. ולפי מ״ש אדה״ז צ״ל דרכו לפתוח ולנעול בכ״י – ראה שו״ע אדה״ז סי׳ שי״ג סעי׳ א׳, שם סעי׳ כ״א, ובסי׳ תקי״ט סעי׳ ד׳.

אבל בנדו״ד אף שיש האוסרים מדאורייתא, לאידך, הרבה מתירים לכתחילה. ונראה להכריע כבפנים. וראה המלוקט כאן. ס׳ ל״ט מלאכות עמ׳ 1084, ושם בקונטרס מגדל דוד הע׳ 174-175.

 

 

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