Halacha Page 5: Shatnez Testers of America (STAM)

microscope

SHATNEZ HALACHA SERIES

PART 5

Kitzur Shulchan Aruch CHAPTER 176

Laws Concerning Shatnez (Wool Mixed With Linen)

1. It is forbidden to wear a garment mixed with the wool of ewes or rams with linen, because of the Command forbidding Shatnez (the mixture of wool and linen; (Leviticus 19:19; Deuteronomy 22:11). Whether the woolen garment has been sewn to the linen garment even with silk or hemp thread, or vice versa, or whether a linen thread was tied to woolen thread or braided together, all of these are forbidden as Shatnez. If one has fastened two pieces of material together only with one stitch and tied it, or if one has fastened the same with two stitches without tying them, both cases are considered to be Shatnez. Therefore, it is forbidden to join a woolen garment and a linen garment even with pins.

2. It is permissible to make garments of sheepskin with linen threads, and we do not mind the woolen hairs that mingle with the linen thread, for the woolen hairs are not used as threads and may be disregarded.

3. To join wool and flax (linen) with something intervening between them, for instance, to take a piece of leather and sew a piece of wool on one side and a piece of linen on the other side, is forbidden by Biblical ordinance, according to Maimonides. But some authorities permit it. Therefore, according to the latter opinion, skins sewed together with linen threads may be used as a lining of a woolen garment (and though it is likely that the hemp thread with which one sews on the lining will penetrate among the flax threads with which the skins are sewn together, we are not concerned about it). And such is the prevailing custom. Nevertheless, a God-fearing person should heed the opinion of Maimonides.

4. Even if ten mattresses lie one on top of the other, and the bottom one is Shatnez, it is forbidden to sit on the top mattress.

5. If a garment contains Shatnez at one end, it is forbidden to cover oneself with the other end, even if the forbidden part is resting on the ground.

6. One who sews a garment of Shatnez for a non-Jew, may sew it in the regular manner, even if it rests upon his knees; provided, however, he does not intentionally derive pleasure from the garment while resting upon his knees. Clothing dealers are allowed to carry on their shoulders, clothing made of Shatnez, in the course of selling them, provided they do not intentionally cover themselves with them as a protection from cold or rain. Nevertheless, God-fearing persons carry such clothes on a stick.

7. Handkerchiefs, bath towels, tablecloths, and the covering of the lectern, upon which the Torah is read, are subject of the law of Shatnez. It is also forbidden to make curtains of Shatnez, but the curtain covering the Holy Ark in the synagogue may be made of Shatnez.

8. Upholstered vehicles, the kind in which princes ride, some of which are covered on the inside with woolen cloth containing Shatnez, (for it is presumed that they have been sewn together with linen thread) may he used for riding purposes, providing one is careful not to lean against the sides containing the Shatnez. Especially should one be careful not to sit on cushions containing Shatnez. Some authorities permit to sit on such cushions, since they do not bend over the sides of a person.