I had always heard that it is forbidden on Shabbat to do any sorting (put all the spoons together, all the forks) as this is a form of borer. In looking into it, I couldn’t find any sources for this older than the early 20th century…Is this actually a halachah? Would it make any difference if it is for a game (putting all the red checkers together, etc.)? Have I overlooked something?
Sorting silverware is a form of Borer. Not all sorting is though. See Aruch Hashulchan Siman 319 8-9.
Games may be different because you are always taking the piece that you need (depending on the game). It’s similar taking the “good” from the “bad” which is permitted.
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Can you explain why sorting silverware is Borer?
I am neither taking bad from good nor good from bad - just putting away forks, knives and spoons.
It doesn’t need to be good and bad. Just two “species” combined.
When playing time is over and there’s a mess of games all over - how can one clean up the room without violating borer? The easiest way would be to collect all legos into one box , next to into its box etc
Is this permitted ?