<BODY><P>In response to my citation of the Shaarim HaMetzuyanim B'Halacha (Vol I 37;7) who writes that the position of the CI that electricity is boneh supports the idea that these appliances are considered mechubarim lkarka and thus do not requite tvila, RMBerger asked:</P>
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<P>Does the above mean that the CI was only talking about AC appliances? That<BR>battery powered devices, with no cibur laqarqa wouldn't be boneh? In which<BR>case, how would a battery powered calculator (no filaments, no chibur laqarqa,<BR>can't be considered a keli zemer) wouldn't be a problem?<BR></P>
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<P>The CI OH 50:9 writes that operating any electicrical appliance is m'taken mana (the electricity makes the appliance usable), and "kol sheken" appliances which are attached a socket, since this is binyan b'mechubar, which is more chamur than binyan b'keilim (which is still assur in this case, because of m'taken mana). Thus the CI was being cited to demonstrate that plugged-in appliances are considered m'chubarim l'karka, not to say that the issur of electricity applies only to such appliances.</P>
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<P>Saul Mashbaum </P></BODY>