Daily Halacha: Sorting Different Foods on Shabbat: What’s Allowed?

One of the important Shabbat laws is the prohibition of borer, which means sorting or separating items. This applies when you separate unwanted items from desired ones, or different types from one another.

Are large and small fruits considered different types?

No. Large and small fruits are considered the same type. For example, if someone has a bag filled with both large and small peaches, they are viewed as one kind of fruit. Therefore, the laws of borer do not apply in this case, and you may take them out in any way you like, without worrying about separating different types.

What about two different types of fish?

If you have two types of fish, or one that is spoiled and one that is fresh, these are considered two separate types. In this case, you are only allowed to separate one from the other if you plan to eat it right away. This is a key rule in borer, sorting is only allowed for immediate use, not for later.

Is it permitted to take two types together from a mix?

Yes. If someone has a bag of fruits and takes a few different types together without separating them then this is not considered borer. Since you are not separating one type from another, but just taking a mixed handful, it is permitted.

This halacha is brought in the Rema (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 319:3), and explained clearly in the rulings of Maran Rabbi Ovadia Yosef zt"l.

From “Ach Tov VaChesed – Daily Halacha” by Hidabroot