Leaning on a Tree on Shabbat
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Question
I am an elderly person and occasionally lean on various objects on the way to the synagogue, such as a bus stop, a tree, or a signpost, etc. Is there a problem with this?
Answer
Hello Rabbi,
It is permitted to lean on a bus stop, a pole, a signpost, and anything that does not grow from the ground, but it is forbidden to lean on a tree on Shabbat.
The reason for the prohibition is that if a person gets used to using a tree, there is a concern that he might momentarily forget that it is Shabbat and break off branches or fruits. Therefore, the sages prohibited any use of a tree.
It is permitted to lean on a bus stop, a pole, a signpost, and anything that does not grow from the ground, but it is forbidden to lean on a tree on Shabbat.
The reason for the prohibition is that if a person gets used to using a tree, there is a concern that he might momentarily forget that it is Shabbat and break off branches or fruits. Therefore, the sages prohibited any use of a tree.
Source
Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim, Siman 336, Se'if 1).
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