30 Dec SNOW ON SHABBOS

The Purpose of Snow
In many places around
the world with cold
climates, one will see
snow falling from the
sky. Many times these
snowstorms occur
during the week, and
many times on Shabbos
as well. The halachic
questions surrounding
snow on Shabbos are numerous. In this issue,
we will discuss whether one is allowed to
move snow or whether it is muktzah.
May one make snowballs? What about a
snowman or an igloo? May one shake snow
off a hat or coat? May one put ice or salt on
steps or sidewalks to melt the snow?
Walking While It Is Snowing
Snow that falls on one’s garment while
walking on Shabbos may be left there and is
not considered carrying on Shabbos. This is
true even if the snow was not absorbed into
the garment. One of the reasons is that a
person cannot refrain from walking outside,
and if it suddenly begins to rain or snow, there
is no decree forbidding walking in such a
situation. The same applies to snow falling on
one’s hat.
Crushing or Melting Snow
One may not crush snow or hail on Shabbos
for the purpose of producing water. However,
one may place snow into a cup or plate
containing water or wine, even crushing it
there with one’s hands, and there is no concern
if it melts, since it becomes mixed with the
liquid.
Reasons for the Prohibition
Some explain that crushing snow is forbidden
because it appears as though one created
water by breaking the snow into small pieces,
an act known as creating (molid). Others
explain that crushing snow is comparable to
squeezing, similar to squeezing fruit for juice,
which is prohibited on Shabbos. Another
explanation is that it involves creating
something new (nolad), since the water
produced was not present before Shabbos.
Many argue with this last view, maintaining
that turning snow into water is not considered
nolad.
One is permitted to allow snow to melt on its
own, as long as there is no act of crushing and
no newly visible accumulation of liquid. One
should not crush snow with one’s hands to
turn it into water. If it melts on its own, it is
permitted.
One may place ice near a flame and allow it to
melt. Although there are opinions to be
stringent, one may be lenient when necessary.
Putting Salt on Ice
If one is not crushing the snow directly, one
may be lenient in cases of need. Therefore,
placing salt on ice on Shabbos to prevent

slipping is permitted. This is considered
indirect action and not a direct act.
Additionally, one has no intention to use the
water produced by the melting snow.
Although adding a layer to something may
resemble building, salt is a temporary layer
that dissolves. Even though it is generally
rabbinically prohibited, in a case of potential
injury it is permitted. One should be careful
not to place salt in a manner that constitutes
preparation from Shabbos for a weekday.
Muktzah
There is discussion among the poskim
regarding whether snow is muktzah on
Shabbos. The vast majority maintain that
snow is not muktzah, whether it fell before
Shabbos or on Shabbos.
Some authorities maintain that snow is
muktzah since it has no functional use on
Shabbos, unless one designated it before
Shabbos.
Others suggest snow is muktzah because it is
newly formed on Shabbos.
Many disagree, explaining that snow comes
from moisture already present in the air and is
therefore not considered newly created.
Dirty snow is considered muktzah, since it
has no use.
Walking in Snow
One may walk in the snow on Shabbos even if
doing so causes it to melt, since this is not
one’s intention and is unavoidable. However,
one should not walk on snow with the
intention of melting it.
This applies even if words engraved on the
bottom of one’s shoes become imprinted in
the snow.
Snowballs
Making snowballs on Shabbos should not be
done. Some compare it to building, since one
forms separate pieces into a single object.
Others suggest it resembles gathering, though
this comparison is rejected since gathering
applies only to items that grow from the
ground.
Additionally, in areas without an eiruv,
throwing snowballs may involve carrying
from private to public property.
Some argue that snowballs are permitted
since they disintegrate and are not lasting.
Nevertheless, others prohibit them because
making a snowball involves crushing snow.
Even according to lenient opinions, one
should refrain from making snowballs on
Shabbos.
One should educate children, even from a
young age, not to make snowballs on Shabbos.
Snowman and Igloo
One should not make a snowman on Shabbos,
as this resembles building and snowmen tend
to last. The same applies to making an igloo.
Some suggest that forming facial features on

a snowman resembles writing or smoothing,
which is prohibited on Shabbos. Others
prohibit snowmen simply because making
them involves crushing snow.
Playing in the Snow
Although one should not make snowballs or
snowmen, one is permitted to play in the
snow. One may even lie in the snow on
Shabbos. Although the snow may melt, this is
permitted since melting is not one’s intention.
Shoveling Snow
Shoveling snow on Shabbos raises several
halachic issues. Removing snow from a roof
may be permitted if there is concern that the
weight could cause collapse. Hard snow or ice
may be considered attached and breaking it
could resemble destroying, while soft snow is
generally permitted to remove.
Only hard surfaces such as sidewalks, steps,
or driveways may be shoveled. Dirt paths
should not be shoveled, as this may lead to
leveling the ground. Tile or paved surfaces do
not present this concern. Ice attached to a
home should not be removed unless there is
danger.
Exertion and Tools
Although excessive exertion is generally
discouraged on Shabbos, removing snow for
safety or to enable attendance at shul is
permitted.
Using a weekday shovel may resemble
weekday activity, so it is preferable to use an
alternative such as a broom.
Shoveling is not considered crushing snow,
since snow removal is typically done in cold
conditions where melting does not occur.
Additional Topics
Carrying: Shoveling is not permitted where
there is no eiruv.
Using Foot or Hand: One may clear a path
using one’s foot or hand.
Cleaning a Car: One should not remove snow
from a car on Shabbos if doing so is to prepare
for after Shabbos. If a child does so purely to
play, it is permitted.
Non-Jew: One may ask a non-Jew to
remove snow when necessary.
Hat and Coat: Snow may be gently shaken
off a regular hat but not a fur hat. Snow should
not be shaken vigorously from a coat. If snow
has melted and been absorbed, it should not

be removed unless the garment is non-
absorbent.

Umbrella: One may not use an umbrella on
Shabbos, even if it was opened beforehand.
Branches and Trees: A fallen branch may be
moved only with one’s foot.
A fallen tree that remains attached to the
ground may not be moved.
Urinating on Snow: One should not urinate on
snow since it will certainly cause melting. If
no bathroom is available and there is great

need, it is permitted.
Missed Torah Reading Due to Snow
If snow prevented a minyan and Torah reading
on Shabbos, there is discussion whether the
missed portion is read the following week.
When such a situation arises, one should
consult the rabbi of the shul.
If going outside is dangerous, one should
form a minyan at home rather than endanger
oneself to attend shul.
Wearing a Plastic Hat Covering
A common question is whether one may wear
a plastic rain covering over a hat on Shabbos
where there is no eiruv. Some authorities
prohibit this, reasoning that the plastic is not a
garment and does not provide warmth or
protection to the wearer. Others permit it if
the covering is fitted to the hat and considered
subordinate to it.
Even according to lenient opinions, one
should not place a loose plastic bag over a hat
and wear it outside. Some suggest that for a
fur hat, where soaking would cause significant
discomfort, there may be more room for
leniency.
Women may wear plastic coverings over a
sheitel, since the covering protects the head
and neck and functions as a garment.
Galoshes, Raincoats, Gloves, and Earmuffs
Galoshes: One may wear galoshes over shoes
on Shabbos. They protect the feet, keep them
warm, and prevent shoes and socks from
becoming wet.
Raincoats: One may wear a raincoat on
Shabbos even if it is thin and does not provide
warmth, since it is considered a garment.
Gloves: Since gloves protect from the cold,
some permit wearing them where there is no
eiruv. Others are concerned one may remove
them and carry them. A conscientious person
should be stringent.
Earmuffs: Even those who are stringent with
gloves permit earmuffs, as they are unlikely
to be removed and carried.
The Purpose of Snow
Harav Avigdor Miller explained that snow is
not merely to keep the soil warm, though it
does so effectively. The heavier the snowfall,
the greater the insulation protecting the earth
from frost. Frost can kill roots, insects, and
beneficial bacteria in the soil.
Snow also provides water in the most effective
way. Rainwater often runs off, but snow
clings to the earth and melts gradually,
allowing the soil to absorb the maximum
amount of moisture.