Daily Halacha - Summer Laws, 16th of Sivan 5777

Is it permissible to prepare popsicles or ice cubes on Shabbat?

Some say it is forbidden to freeze liquids on Shabbat as it resembles cheese-making, which is prohibited under the category of building. Others forbid it due to the concept of creating something new [Rabbi Chaim Palachi]. However, in practical halacha, it is permitted since in our freezers one does not perform the action directly by hand [Yechaveh Da'at 1, 30].

Is it permissible to break ice that has formed at the top of a bottle?

It is permissible to break ice that blocks the opening of a bottle, since one's intention is not to turn the ice into a beverage but rather to access the water inside [Beit Yosef, section 320].

Is it permissible to eat crushed ice or popsicles on Shabbat?

It is permissible to eat and drink crushed ice on Shabbat without concern for the prohibition of "one may not crush snow or hail." Especially for young children, there is no need to be strict about this at all.

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