May a non-Jew pick up a suit from the cleaners for me on Yom Tov? It’s already paid for; I forgot to pick it up on Friday.
Having a Non-Jew Pick Up Dry Cleaning on Yom Tov
Question
Answer
If you have something else to wear, don’t have it picked up.
Sources
The Shulchan Aruch rules that because carrying was permitted on Yom Tov for food, it is also permitted for other things, such as a child, a lulav, a Sefer Torah or utensils. The Rema adds that this applies only when one needs them at least a little, or fears they will be stolen or lost. The Mishnah Berurah stresses that there must be at least some need. If you have other clothes to wear, the suit is not needed for Yom Tov, so there is no basis for carrying it.
The Shulchan Aruch also states the general rule that whatever one may not do oneself, one may not tell a non-Jew to do. So a non-Jew may not bring the suit when you yourself could not carry it.
- Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 518:1 — carrying on Yom Tov is permitted beyond food needs; the Rema limits this to cases where one needs the item at least somewhat
- Mishnah Berurah 518:1 — carrying on Yom Tov requires at least some need
- Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 307:2 — anything one is forbidden to do, one may not tell a non-Jew to do
Author
Rabbi Shay Tahan
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