Home Forums Decaffeinated Coffee Halacha question:can you build a snowman on shabbos? Reply To: Halacha question:can you build a snowman on shabbos?

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It seems that R Moshe (minority view) that snow is muktza is based on two considerations: (1) there is no use for it (2) people perceive it as nolad.

For (2), I would say that currently people know that snow is coming from clouds just by watching weather forecast. So, the perception has definitely changed.

On the permitted shoveling when there is a tzibur need (3 people or more, going to shul included) – it would only allow a small path along where people need to go. Also, not over dirt or grass. Preferably to shovel fresh rather than frozen snow.

O also wonder whether it should only be allowed if you did what you could before shabbos – such as sand the road. [you can also salt it, but then you’ll have to fix the road, of course]. This halocha would be a modern one – as previously we did not know before shabbos that there will be snow on shabbos.