The Work of Whitening - Applying Water on Clothes Worn on the Body

Question


 Hello, and thank you to everyone who helps share the halachos and Torah teachings of our dear Rabbi, shlita, in such a clear and uplifting way. I am also deeply grateful for always responding so quickly and thoughtfully, it truly means a lot. 

Is it permissible to wash one's hands over one's a sleeve on Shabbat?
Also, is it permissible to wash one's hands over an elastic bandage [which is generally washed after use for reuse]?
And is it permissible on Shabbat to pour water on one's the clothing one is wearing to cool off? Is there a prohibition of "Me'labein" (laundering)? 

The core issue is whether there is room for leniency, since this may be considered as having soiled the garment, as wet clothes gets soiled from one's body. 
As stated in Tosafot (Yoma 77b): 'The way of soiling garments is by walking with them in water'.
And also in the rulings of the Rosh in Yoma (ibid): '...And, there is also no issue with regard to the prohibition of laundering, since it is the manner of wearing', etc., and it seems the reason is, that the clothing gets soiled because of the body.

Therefore, can we consider the above cases also a manner of soiling. 

I repeat my thanks and request that our Rav look into it. 

With the blessing of the Torah.

Answer

Shalom,

There is no permission to soak a garment in water except for the purpose of a mitzvah (or something similar), but otherwise it would be prohibited due to the concern that one might wring it out.

As explained in Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, Siman 201.

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 (Please note that the comment will not be published but will be sent directly to the answering Rabbi for review and a private response)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