Chapter 9
Opening Cans, Bottles and Other Containers on Shabbath and Yom Tov
3.a. It is likewise forbidden, on Shabbath or Yom Tov, except as specified below, to open cartons, bags, cans or other sealed containers
1) which it is not customary to re-use after they have been opened and their contents removed, but
2) in which it is usual to keep the original contents after
they have been opened.
3.b. The prohibition applies even if one intends to empty out the contents immediately after opening the container. 3.c. Examples of such containers are
1) cans of preserves (regarding which see also paragraph 18 below),
2) cartons containing drink, such as those in which buttermilk or fruit juice is sometimes sold,
3) plastic bags of milk,
4) paper bags which are gummed shut, for instance bags of sugar and bags in which bread is packed to preserve its freshness,
5) plastic bags whose openings have been glued shut or sealed by a process involving the application of pressure and
6) packets of matzoth.
3.d. 1) It is permissible to open a can, bag, packet or other container if, before or while opening it, one perforates or tears it at the side or underneath in such a way that it will no longer be fit to be used as a container. 2) a) Cans of vegetables may be perforated in this manner, even if the liquid inside, which one would in any case throw away, will flow out through the hole.
- b) This does not involve the prohibition against selection, since it is an unintended and incidental result of perforating the can.
- c) One should not, however, pour the liquid out of the opened can, but should remove the food, leaving the liquid inside.
3) One may open a can if one cuts only half-way around the lid, which one then bends, in order to remove the contents immediately.
3.e. Some authorities permit the opening of cans, bags, and paper packets which are not normally re-used, even without spoiling them, as long as
1) one does not in fact intend to re-use them after removing their contents and
2) one does not specifically intend to make a particularly neat opening for more convenient use.
