Zoreiah 3 (Klal 11 Siman 1) Hilchos Shabbos - S0334

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Zoreiah 3 (Klal 11 Siman 1) Hilchos Shabbos - S0334

Sponsorships for the upcoming Klalim, which discuss the 39 melachos of Shabbos, are available. Please contact Rabbi Reingold for more information at [e-mail] or 301.996.5910

We are learning the melacha of zoreiah. We left off with the recommendation of the Chayei Adam against eating over vegetation, due to the concern of liquids spilling onto the grass and causing it to grow. The Chayei Adam adds another point. Although it does not apply so much nowadays, we will learn it.
The Chayei Adam writes that an additional issue with eating on vegetation could be carrying in an area greater than 70 amos. We know that it is assur to carry in a reshus harabbim. An area which is a karmelis, which is not enclosed but not an area traversed by the public, is considered patur mideoraysa but miderabanan is assur. Chazal also enacted an issur on another scenario, in a place known as a karpeif. A karpeif is an enclosed area which is very large and not lived in. People perceive it as akin to an open field, so the same way that one cannot carry in a field, one cannot carry in a karpeif either. In a scenario where the karpeif is large but a house opens into it, it is muttar to carry since it is viewed as an extension to the house. The Chayei Adam is discussing a karpeif which is not connected to a house where the concen of Chazal applies. The size of a karpeif not attached to a house in which Chazal enacted an issur to carry is a karpeif larger than 70 by 70 amos.

The Chayei Adam continues, and writes that notwithstanding the concerns discussed about zoreiah, it is muttar to relieve oneself onto the ground. The acids in urine stunt the growth of vegetation, so there is no issue of zoreiah because it is detrimental. There may be other concerns, such as losh (causing the dirt to clump together). Similarly, the Chayei Adam brings an opinion that wine is also detrimental to the growth of vegetation, so it would be muttar to pour wine onto vegetation. This point is actually a machlokes rishonim whether it is considered water and therefore beneficial, or whether the acids within it cause it to be detrimental.

Summary
Zoreiah is the av melacha of planting a seed, and includes any action which helps the plant grow.
One cannot pour liquids onto vegetation, whether it is their own property or someone else’s property.
Liquids which are detrimental to growth of vegetation, such as urine and possibly wine, are not an issue of zoreiah, but may involve other halachic issues.
Besides for the potential issues of zoreiah when eating on vegetation, one must be sure they are allowed to carry in the area, and that it is not a karpeif.