Non-food item mixtures
The laws of Borer do not exclusively apply to food items, non-food items too are regimented by the same
laws. Unbeknownst to most, every Shabbos several times over, one is confronted to these laws. Since they
are laws of the Torah [Deoraisa], transgressing them amounts to desecrating the Shabbos. Chazal stress,
that unless one learns these laws over and over until being fluent in them, it is unlikely he kept even one
Shabbos properly.
א .Suits or dresses hanging in a closet are not considered “mixed” as each one can be easily and
independently removed. However, a pile of shirts or a drawer of socks are considered a “mixture”
and the laws of “Borer” apply. Similarly, stacked children clothes are considered a “mixture”. Hence,
selecting from the “mixture” can only be done just prior to wearing the clothes.
ב .Books in a bookcase are not considered a mixture. However, a stack of books is considered a
mixture, and is subject to the laws of “Borer”. One can select a book from the stack, only prior to
using it.
ג .A document or magazine in a pile can only be selected prior to reading them.
ד .Soda bottles that are jumbled in the refrigerator are subject to the laws of “Borer”. One may retrieve
a bottle only for immediate drinking.
ה .In previous Shiurim we have learnt that the laws of “Borer” also apply to jumbled cutlery. Hence,
they can be set on the table only just prior to the meal. However, if it is permitted to take one
cutlery at a time, dry it and then set it on the table or in its compartment.
ו .Jumbled toys are considered a “mixture”, it is permitted to separate a toy only prior to using it.
ז .Separating cards from a card game is problematic, and one should refrain from separating them
on Shabbos.

By Rabbi Fridmann * [email protected] * 305.985.3461

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