Rabbi Rules on Wiping Blood with Towel on Shabbat

Rabbi Yigal Cohen, head of the "Yabia Omer" institutions and a member of the Chief Rabbinate Council, addressed a common Shabbat dilemma: whether it is permissible to wipe blood from a cut finger with a towel. The question arises from the prohibition of "melacha tzovea," the act of dyeing or coloring, which is forbidden on Shabbat.

Rabbi Cohen explained that wiping blood with a towel is permissible. He clarified that the prohibition of dyeing applies to intentionally coloring an object, such as using a cloth to stain a garment. However, wiping away blood, even if it leaves a stain on the towel, is not considered an act of dyeing because the primary intention is to clean the wound, not to color the towel. The act of wiping is seen as removing something, rather than applying color.

This ruling is part of a daily Halacha (Jewish law) segment provided by Rabbi Cohen, aiming to guide the public on Shabbat observances and other religious matters. The segment is published by "Bخدrei Haredim," a Haredi news outlet.