Nolad: Defrosting something on Shabbos

 

Question:

Is it a problem to defrost something on Shabbos only near heat (obviously not where it can reach yad soledes), or is it also a problem without heat?

Similarly, if one is defrosting a frozen milk container and the container is not see-thru, so you can’t see the melting, would that make it permissible?

 

Answer:

1. There are two opinions, לכתחילה we are מחמיר, however בדיעבד or במקום הצורך you can rely on the opinion that it is okay.

The above mentioned is only if the food you are defrosting comes into liquid and remains by itself, however if it defrosted directly into food and only a little liquid flows out i.e. a cold piece of meat (not frozen) that a little juice will flow it’s not a problem.

This is only if you put it next to a warm place like next to a fire or sun heater etc.

2. Same answer to a non-see-through container.

 

Sources:

ראה אדה”ז סימן שי”ח סעיפים כה-כז וסימן שכ סעיף טז. ושם אוסרים בנוגע קדירה אע”פ שבפשטות לא יכולים לראות, ואינו דומה לדין אינו בעין.

 

 

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