Dirshu Mishnah Berurah

Author: Moshe Zeidman

A page a day (amud yomi) of Mishnah Berurah explained and clarified following (roughly) the cycle of the Dirshu program for mastery of the laws of daily Jewish living. Master the text in under 30 minutes a day. For individual application of the laws you should consult with your local Orthodox Rabbi. Please subscribe to this podcast - you will be notified when each new session is uploaded and you will maximise your daily learning. For feedback or questions you can reach me on mztorahlearning@gmail.com.
Be a guest on this podcast

Language: en

Genres: Judaism, Religion & Spirituality

Contact email: Get it

Feed URL: Get it

iTunes ID: Get it

Get all podcast data

Listen Now...

MB 320.18b – Squeezing (Sechita) on Shabbos: Wine Barrels, Towels & Toothbrushes
Episode 291
Monday, 23 February, 2026

This episode continues the discussion of the melachah of squeezing (sechita) on Shabbos, focusing on practical halachic applications.The shiur examines the dispute regarding removing or replacing a cloth stopper in a wine barrel when liquid will inevitably be squeezed out. Even if the result is unintended and undesirable, some opinions prohibit it because the squeezing is inevitable, while others are lenient. The widespread custom follows the lenient view under specific conditions, particularly when the stopper extends beyond the cloth and no container is placed underneath to collect the liquid.A key distinction is made between different liquids. With wine and other beverages (besides water), the concern is extraction (similar to squeezing grapes or olives). With water, however, squeezing cloth may involve the prohibition of laundering, which is more stringent. Some authorities treat white wine like water in this regard.The episode then explores practical modern applications:Cleaning spilled drinks from a tablecloth without forceful squeezingThe rabbinic prohibition of squeezing hair after bathingThe permissibility debate regarding using a wet toothbrush (depending on bristle spacing)Drying with a towel after washing or bathing, which is generally permitted when done normally and without intent to squeeze