We are continuing in an introduction to Klal 37, the melacha of koseiv. In the previous shiur, we learned that combining letters to create words is not koseiv, because the melacha of koseiv is specifically creating the letters. However, there is a way to create letters which would mistakenly be excluded based on that definition. If a person has two half-letters (eg, letter “a” cut in the middle) it is koseiv to put those two halves together on Shabbos. A practical example would be if the page of a siddur is torn through the middle of the letters. Aligning the parts of the page in order to read it would be considered koseiv. Since it does not have permanence, it is not assur mideoraysa, but nevertheless it will be assur miderabanan.
This point was actually presented as a shaila to the Rema. If there is writing on the side of a sefer, when the sefer is opened, it breaks the letters (which would be mocheik), and when the sefer is closed, it creates the letters, which should be koseiv. The Rema responded that he feels it is not assur, similar to the reason why opening and closing a door is not considered boneh and soseir. Since part of the function of the door is for it to open and close, it is considered part of the function of the door rather than building or destroying the wall around it. Similarly, since the function of the sefer is to open and close it, it is muttar.
Other poskim disagree with the comparison. They understand that the use of a door is part of the nature of the building to which the door is connected. The writing on the side of the sefer is not part of the nature of the sefer, but happens to be there. The Mishnah Berurah concludes that it is preferable not to use such a sefer, but in a situation of need, one can rely on the opinion that it is not koseiv.
The Chayei Adam will address the use of pre-formed letters in siman 6.
A toldah of koseiv is making a picture. The same way that letters represent sounds and ideas, markings which are a representation are a toldah of koseiv. If so, assembling a jigsaw puzzle would fall under this toldah. We will discuss children’s puzzles in the upcoming shiur, be’ezras Hashem.
Summary
- The melacha of koseiv is specifically forming letters. This includes taking a printed or pre-formed letter which is currently in two pieces and putting the two pieces together, such as aligning the page of a torn siddur.
- There is a question whether it is muttar to use a sefer which has writing on its side that will separate every time it is opened. It is preferable not to use such a sefer but one may do so, if necessary.
- A toldah of koseiv is making a picture.
