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We have finished siman 1 and will clarify one point before moving on to siman 2. We discussed the concept of a simple, square knot. The Chayei Adam calls this knot a kesher shel kayama, but he uses the term to mean it has the quality of a kesher uman in the sense that it has the ability to last. That being the case, we have the chumra to consider it a kesher shel kayama even according to the Rif and Rambam, that a knot which has the ability to last needs to be considered a kesher shel kayama as well.
Thus, kesher shel kayama can be used in the sense of the physical ability to remain, and can also be used in the sense of the person’s intent to leave it there. Both of these conditions are necessary according to the Rambam, while according to Rashi, the second approach is the only condition necessary to be chayav mideoraysa. Thus, a square knot which a person plans to leave is physically able to remain and therefore is chayav mideoraysa according to both opinions.
In siman 2, the Chayei Adam writes that a kesher which is normally untied every day has no halachic significance, and it is muttar to tie and untie it on Shabbos. This fits according to Rashi, whose only criteria is intent. Nevertheless, since there is an opinion (Rambam and Rif) that a kesher which is made tightly and could last permanently–even if a person intends to undo it–is considered a kesher shel kayama since it has the aspect of permanence, it is assur miderabanan according to the Rif and Rambam. Therefore, one should only undo such a knot if there is tzaar. If they are uncomfortable, we can be meikil on this issur derabanan in a case of tzaar.
The Chayei Adam continues, and writes that even according to Rashi, the heter to tie and untie this knot is based on the fact that the knot was tied and untied every day. If, for example, the person left their belt tied for the entire week, and only untied it before Shabbos (as was their reality sometimes), the knot was originally made to last more than one day. In such a case, one should not tie the knot on Shabbos even if they have the intention to untie it within 24 hours, because once the derech is to leave the knot, we are concerned the person will change his mind and decide to leave it.
The Chayei Adam continues, and writes that if one makes a single knot with a bow, and the bow accidentally falls out and becomes a double knot, we are meikil and consider it as a knot which was made to last less than 24 hours. Since the knot came into being unintentionally, we are not concerned that the derech of this knot is to last more than 24 hours, because it was never intended to exist.
Summary
- A simple, square knot is considered a kesher shel kayama (uman) out of chumra, due to the opinion of the Rif and Rambam, and if it was made to be permanent, it is a chashash of a deoraysa.
- A kesher which is normally tied and untied every day is muttar. However, if it is a kesher which could last, one should be machmir except for cases of tzaar.
- If one intended to make a bow, and created a double knot unintentionally, it is muttar to untie the knot on Shabbos.
