#234: Touching a Tree on Shabbos

1. Chazal prohibited leaning on a tree on Shabbat for the same reasons as they forbade climbing a tree–concern that one may detach a branch or leaf (Tractate Eruvin 100a). However, leaning slightly on a tree, such that one would not stumble or fall if the tree were removed, is permitted (Mishnah Berurah 336:2, 63 and Bi’ur Halachah 336:13).

2. It is permitted to touch a tree on Shabbat. However, one may not cause the tree to sway, even if one does not lean on it (Rema 336:13).

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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.