Chapter 28
A Miscellany Including Stationery, Clocks, Noises, Baby Carriages, Remuneration and Advance Preparations
PRODUCING MUSICAL AND OTHER SOUNDS ON SHABBATH OR YOM TOV
35.a. 1) An instrument that is not designed for producing a sound may be used to produce a sound which is not musical or rhythmic.
2) One must not produce a musical or rhythmic sound, even with such an instrument.
3) The same rule applies in relation to any other item which is not designed for producing a sound, but with whose assistance one can make a noise, such as a door, a window or a hard floor.
35.b. It follows that, as long as one does not beat out a specific rhythm, one may
1) tap a bottle or glass with a spoon, to silence a party of guests,
2) rap on the door with a key, to attract the attention of someone who will draw the bolt on the inside, or
3) bang two pots together, to wake up somebody who is sleeping.
35.c. One should not
1) bang the top of the table, either with an instrument or with one’s hand, in time to a tune nor
2) tap one’s foot on the floor to add to the melody of a song.
