S0711 - Meleches Shabbos - (Klal 32-33 Siman 5) - Mafshit and Meabeid - 6 - Applications of the Toldos - 2

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Meleches Shabbos - Mafshit and Meabeid 6 - Applications of the Toldos 2 (Klal 32-33 Siman 5) S0711

We have finished siman 5. At the end of siman 5, the Chayei Adam discussed a few toldos and their applications. There are a few points we need to clarify:
Ein ibbud b’ochlin, the concept that meabeid does not apply to foods, teaches us that adding salt or spices to food is not the same as the melacha of meabeid. Meabeid creates a permanent change in the item through chemicals or processes, while the goal of spicing food is to consume it. This concept applies even if a food is salted for the purpose of preserving it. The Chayei Adam will discuss salting foods further in the upcoming simanim.
The melacha of ibbud does not only apply to natural materials, but to manmade materials as well. As long as the material benefits from the process of the added oils and being smoothed and softened, it falls under the melacha of meabeid. Thus, for example, ibbud will apply to the parts of shoes which are made of faux leather as well.
Rav Falk discusses whether the concept of ibbud applies to soft contact lenses. Soft lenses need to be preserved by placing them in solution, which helps them maintain their moisture. He concludes that ibbud does not apply, because meabeid refers to taking an item which is not usable as-is, and making it usable. Lenses already have a sufficient amount of moisture, and placing them in solution serves to maintain the moisture levels overnight. (There is also a discussion whether melabein applies to lenses, as placing them in solution serves to cleanse them from bacteria and the like.)
It follows, then, that if the lenses were out of solution for a long time, such that they are hard and no longer moist, it might fall under the issur of meabeid to place them in solution on Shabbos. Rabbi Reingold has not seen other poskim discuss this issue, so he does not have a clear psak on this question. Either way, it is an important example of the practical application of this melacha.

Summary
Ein ibbud b’ochlin means we are not concerned for the issur of meabeid regarding any foods, even when the purpose is to salt the food and preserve it long-term. It may be assur derabanan. We will clarify this in the upcoming shiurim.
Meabeid applies to any materials which soften and become more supple through the process, including man made materials.
Placing soft contact lenses in solution on Shabbos is not meabeid. However, if the lenses are dry, it may fall under the issur.