Working on Friday Afternoon: Difference between revisions

[[Image:Businessman Rushing.png|250px|right]]One should not work on Friday afternoon past the time for Mincha<ref name=":2">Gemara Pesachim 50b</ref>. It is debated whether this means 6.5 halachic hours after sunrise ([[Reference of Measurements in Halacha#Mincha Gedola|Mincha Gedola]])<ref name=":4" /> or 9.5 halachic hours after sunrise ([[Reference of Measurements in Halacha#Mincha Ketana|Mincha Ketana]])<ref>Aruch HaShulchan 251:1</ref><ref name=":3">Ben Ish Hai, 2nd Year, Lech Lecha 20</ref>. The reason is debated as well; one opinion holds that it's because we want to prevent one from transgressing the laws of Shabbos if he runs too late, and the other opinion says the reason is to leave time to prepare for Shabbos. While there are various leniencies (mentioned below), a G-d fearing person should do his best to abide by this law and it will do him well<ref>Aruch HaShulchan 251:4</ref>. One who unrightfully does not abide by this law will not gain from the work that he does after the time for Mincha on Friday afternoon<ref name=":2" /><ref>Mishnah Berurah 251:2 quotes the Pri Megadim that several Poskim hold that aside from this being a curse, it may also be a violation of Rabbinic law. </ref><ref>Magen Avraham 251:1 quotes the Smag and states that the Rabbis should prevent one from working past Mincha of Friday afternoon, but the one who violates this is not punished (essentially, it is highly frowned upon to work past MIncha on Friday afternoon). </ref><ref name=":6">Prisha 251:1</ref>, either directly or by losing the profit in a different manner<ref name=":4">Mishnah Berurah 251:1</ref>.

#While one may not partake in scheduled meetings, conference calls, or the like after the time for Mincha on Friday afternoon, one may make an unscheduled business phone call, send an unscheduled business email, and the like<ref name=":0">Aruch HaShulchan 251:2</ref><ref name=":3" /><ref>Rama 251:1</ref><ref name=":6" />.

#Work done for Shabbos needs, such as fixing a button or pot, is even permitted past the time for Mincha on Friday afternoon<ref>Shulchan Aruch 251:2</ref>. This is true even if the work is done for somebody else's Shabbos needs, but only if one is not being paid for the work done (which would be proper indication that the work is really being done for Shabbos needs)<ref name=":0" /><ref>Rama 251:2</ref><ref>Prisha 251:2</ref><ref>Tur 251:2</ref>.