We are at the end of siman 29, and are discussing tearing toilet paper on Shabbos. We learned that tearing toilet paper would fall under the issur of korea (among other issurim), and applies both on the perforations and between the perforations. We learned that one can hint to a non-Jew. If the non-Jew does not understand the hint, and asks whether they should tear the toilet paper, one cannot answer directly yes, but rather must answer indirectly, such as by saying that I would benefit from the toilet paper being torn.
If it is not possible to have a non-Jew tear the toilet paper, if there is pre-cut toilet paper available elsewhere but there is no eruv, one can ask a non-Jew to bring the toilet paper. Asking the non-Jew would be an issur derabanan on an issur derabanan (assuming the hotzaah in this situation is not deoraysa), and shvus d’shvus b’makom kavod habriyos is muttar.
If even amira l’achum is not possible, and the only possibility is asking a non-Jew directly to tear the toilet paper, it becomes a question of amira l’achum on an issur deoraysa. Although we generally pasken that the amira l’achum is not permitted, there is one shita which holds it is muttar, and we rely on it in exceptional cases. Examples include fixing an eruv on Shabbos itself, lighting candles on Shabbos, or extreme cases of kavod habriyos. Thus, in this case, if the previous options are not viable, one can ask a non-Jew directly to cut the toilet paper.
Another possibility is causing the toilet paper to tear on its own, through grama. Alternatively, one may be allowed to perform an issur derabanan themselves for the purpose of kavod habriyos, such as carrying the toilet paper themselves from another home .
We will discuss a final option in the upcoming shiur, be’ezras Hashem.
Summary
- It is assur to cut toilet paper on Shabbos, because it is makeh bepatish, mechateich, and korea.
- Solutions, in order of halachic preference, include:
- Hinting to a non-Jew. One cannot tell them directly to tear it.
- Asking a non-Jew directly to carry the toilet paper from another home.
- Asking the non-Jew directly to tear the toilet paper.
- The Jew tearing the toilet paper indirectly on their own, through grama
- The Jew performing a melacha derabanan, such as carrying the toilet paper from elsewhere.
