Scaring Away a Bird by Sound from Mouth or Hands on Shabbat
This question and answer were automatically translated using our trained AI and have not yet been reviewed by a qualified rabbi. Please treat this translation with caution.
go to original →
Question
Is it permissible to scare away a bird on Shabbat by whistling, shouting, or making loud claps?
Answer
Producing sound by mouth is permitted, including whistling, but the sages prohibited clapping hands on Shabbat lest one come to throw a stone at the bird. In cities where the concern that there is a public domain according to Torah law is only for stringency, leniency can be applied. However, those who hold that a large city like New York has a public domain should be stringent in this matter.
Source
Shulchan Aruch (Siman 316, Paragraph 4) prohibits, but the Mishnah Berurah (Siman 316, Se'if Katan 17) permits because most authorities hold that there is no public domain in our days.
Comments
Have an additional question on this topic or need clarification? Leave your comment below. (Please note that the comment will not be published but will be sent directly to the answering Rabbi for review and a private response)
Become our patrners in supporting and spreading the Torah
Help us answer more questions faster and better
Join the mission