Halachot and Customs
Is It Permissible to Turn on a Clothes Dryer Before Shabbat?
Question
Is it permissible, right before Shabbat begins, to turn on the clothes dryer so that it will operate on Shabbat? Or must it already be running earlier and then continue on Shabbat?
Thank you very much
Answer
Shalom u-vrachah,
According to the custom of Sephardim, it is permitted to turn on the clothes dryer on erev Shabbat before Shabbat begins, even though it will continue operating after Shabbat begins. According to the custom of Ashkenazim, it is forbidden to do so, unless there is a need for it.
Sources: Based on Shulchan Aruch and Rema, Orach Chaim (siman 252, seif 5). This is also written in Yechaveh Da’at, part 3 (siman 18). See also Igrot Moshe, Orach Chaim, part 5 (siman 22, ot 38) and the book Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchatah, part 2 (chapter 42, seif 43), which write to prohibit it. This applies to Ashkenazim who follow the Rema. See also Ohr LeTzion, part 2 (chapter 16, seif 10).
With blessings,
Hillel Meirs
