Daily Halacha - Shabbat Laws, 17th of Av 5777

Is it permissible to give a baby a rattle to play with on Shabbat?

Toys for babies that make noise are permitted to be given to infants on Shabbat and there is no prohibition of muktzeh, since they have the status of independent vessels. The prohibition of making noise applies only to musical sounds [Chazon Ovadia page 259].

However, one should not ring a bell for a crying baby [Chazon Ovadia 5, page 262].

Is it permissible to clap hands on Shabbat?

One should not clap hands or slap the thigh or dance on Shabbat, as a decree lest one come to fix a musical instrument. However, clapping with a change - such as using the back of the hand against the palm - is permitted, even when not for the purpose of a mitzvah [Chazon Ovadia 5, page 273].

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