A Toy that Makes Noise on Shabbos

Question

Is it permissible to allow a child to play with a mechanical noise-making toy on Shabbos?

Answer

If the toy produces any song, it is forbidden according to all opinions. If it makes a non-melodic beeping sound, contemporary halachic authorities are divided on whether this is permitted. And when the child is slightly older and understands the concept of Shabbos, there is certainly a disrespect for Shabbos in this.

Source

Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim, section 338); Biur Halacha (ibid.); Igros Moshe (Orach Chaim, part 5, section 22, letter 7); Minchat Shlomo (II, section 60, subsection 1).

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 (Please note that the comment will not be published but will be sent directly to the answering Rabbi for review and a private response)

Please sign up or log in to submit your comment

Become our partners in supporting and spreading the Torah. Help us answer more questions faster and better.
Next
More questions in this category
Forbidden activities on Shabbos – the 39 melachos
Forbidden activities on Shabbos – the 39 melachos