Clapping Hands on Shabbat
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Question
I clapped my hands on Shabbat and was told that it is forbidden. However, another friend told the one who commented not to make such remarks. I would like to know what the actual ruling is.
Answer
There is a prohibition against clapping hands on Shabbat when it is done in a manner of song or joy. However, one may clap hands with a change, for example, right hand on the back of the left hand. Also, on Simchat Torah, when dancing in honor of the Torah, it is permitted, but in other cases of mitzvah necessity, it should not be permitted.
Additionally, there is a prohibition against scaring away an animal by clapping hands, although in this prohibition, one can be lenient in our times when there is no public domain according to the Torah. [Those who hold that in large cities like New York it is a public domain according to the Torah, by the main law, should not be lenient there].
The opinion of the Rema is that when it is done for the sake of a mitzvah, one should not protest against those who act this way because they will not listen to the protester, and it is better that they transgress the prohibition inadvertently than deliberately. Also, because in his time it was not common to repair musical instruments by the musician. [In our times, it should be discussed whether this has changed].