#206: Water Fountains (Part 2)
1. We mentioned yesterday that one may only use a water fountain outside if the water does not descend directly onto a grassy area or an area where other vegetation may grow. Even in cases where there is no issue of watering vegetation, one may only use a water fountain outside according to all opinions if it does not have a cooling mechanism.
2. If it has a cooling mechanism that makes the water cold, some say it is forbidden on a rabbinic level, since turning on the fountain causes the cooling mechanism to take effect sooner than it would have otherwise. Others say that it may be permitted since one does not cause it to activate directly, plus it is only activated through a delayed reaction (i.e., it is a pesik reisha plus gerama together). One can often tell the difference between the types of water fountains simply by looking at them to see if there are any wires providing it with electricity.
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Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for the hostages to be released safely to their families and may everlasting peace come to Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.
