Using Peeler on Shabbos

Shalom . Can one use a peeler to peel vegetables (etc) on Shabbat. With Mekorot please . Thank you , Chaim

Answer:

There are different opinions concerning using a peeler on Shabbos.

In general, the custom in America is to use a peeler, certainly where the peel is edible, whereas the custom in Israel is not to use it.

Best wishes.

Sources:

It is generally permitted to peel fruit on Shabbos because peeling fruit is considered preparation for eating, and not an act of forbidden separation.

However, it is not permitted to use a utensil that is made for acts of borer, and because a peeler is made specifically for peeling (which is forbidden unless done as preparation for immediate eating – see Mishnah Berurah 321:84), many forbid using a peeler (see Machazeh Eliyahu 51; Biur Halachah).

Yet, many are accustomed to peel with a peeler on Shabbos, because it is viewed as a sophisticated knife and not an item specifically used for borer. Furthermore, a number of authorities maintain that the entire melachah of borer does not apply to peeling (see Aruch Hashulchan 319:22; Rabbeinu Chananel likewise writes that borer does not apply to peeling).

In practice, see Shemiras Shabbos Kehilchasah 3:34, who permits the use of peelers for peels that are generally eaten with the fruit, because they are considered part of the fruit; She’arim Metzuyanim Behalachah (80, K.A. 24) is more lenient and permits the general use of peelers.