Grinding Coffee on Yom Tov

Question: I usually grind my coffee by hand every morning. Am I allowed to do so on Yom Tov?

Answer: The Shulchan Aruch (OC 495:2) writes that it is assur miderabanan to grind food on Yom Tov, though the Mishna Berura (504:1) notes that according to some poskim it is assur mideoraisa.

The Shulchan Aruch (OC 504:1) writes that one may not use a commercial mill, as that is considered to be uvdin dechol, a mundane, weekday activity. However, one may grind spices on Yom Tov so as to have fresh spices. One may only grind salt with a shinui, as salt does not lose its freshness from one day to the next. Therefore, the Mishna Berura (504:9; Biur Halacha 504:1) writes that one must not grind coffee in a large mill, though one may use a small grinder.

The Rema adds that one should use a shinui when grinding spices, too. Thus, the Mishna Berura (504:19) suggests that when grinding coffee, one could grind the beans straight onto a napkin rather than into a bowl. However, he stresses that one must only grind enough coffee for that day (see Shemiras Shabbos Kehilchasa 7:3).

While the Kaf Hachaim (OC 504:3) follows the Rema, R’ Ovadia Yosef (Yabia Omer OC 4:45:2) follows the Shulchan Aruch and writes that one may grind coffee in a small grinder even without a shinui.

In conclusion, one may grind coffee beans in a coffee grinder on Yom Tov. One should do so with a shinui and ensure that they are not grinding more than enough for that day.

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