#310: What Size to Cut

1. It is unclear what is considered chopping “very finely.” It is generally acceptable to cut the pieces somewhat larger than one usually cuts it during the week (Biur Halachah 321:12). Thus, if one makes an Israeli salad on Shabbat, one should cut the vegetables, such as cucumbers, peppers, and tomatoes, into pieces slightly larger than one does during the week.

2. Cutting slices is permitted (Orchot Shabbat). Some poskim say that one may not cut vegetables into strips (Orchot Shabbat). However, many poskim do allow strips and explain that tochen only involves pieces that are small both in length and in width (Igrot Moshe).

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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.