I have often seen practiced that when a liquid spills on Shabbos, one does not wipe it up, but rather one simply places a rag or absorbent napkin on it and leaves the napkin there so as not to do "Sechitah."
Why is that permitted? Doesn't our Mishnah tell us that one may not be "Sofeg", which Rashi tells us means that one may not place a sponge on spilled liquid, even without squeezing, lest one come to squeeze!
Is everybody making a mistake by putting the napkins on spills?
Q. Reese, Atlanta, Georgia
It is permissible to place a rag or napkin on spills (Orchos Shabbos 13:65).
A sponge is different and cannot be used (Orach Chaim 320:17). The Mishnah B'rurah explains that the Gemara speaks of a wet sponge which will definitely be squeezed.
A dry sponge might also be forbidden -- see Biur Halachah there.
All the best
Reuven Weiner
Dear Rabbi Weiner,
Would you please clarify your answer.
Is it permissible to push down on a dry napkin on top of spills, to help get up as much of the spill as possible (as when red wine spills on a white rug).
Thank you.
Yehuda
Dear Yehuda,
One cannot squeeze out liquid from a tablecloth or rug. Therefore pressing down on the napkin is forbidden. See Mishna Brura 320:33
All the best
Reuven Weiner