Can one use a sand timer on Shabbos?

 

Question:

My children want to say Tehillim on Shabbos Mevorchim and will earn rewards for it. They will earn rewards by the amount of time they spend saying Tehillim. Therefore, the question is, are they allowed to use a sand timer so they can make sure they are reading for the designated amount of time? Using the time on a clock will not be as child-friendly and effective.

 

Answer:

Sand timers should not be used on Shabbos, even for a Mitzvah.

 

Source:

The Alter Rebbe writes (Shulchan Aruch Harav 308, 88) that the above is the common custom, although Halachicly it is unclear whether this is prohibited or permissible.

 

 

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Comments (2)

  • Basya October 28, 2019 - 5 years ago

    Is it even permissible to measure the amount of time they say Tehillim by looking at the wall clock and keeping track of the minutes, or is this also a prohibited form of “measuring” on Shabbos?

    • AsktheRav October 29, 2019 - 5 years ago

      Yes, it is permissible.

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