FAQs

Q. May I use hand sanitizer on Shabbos and Yom Tov?

A. Rav Gedalia Dov Schwartz zt”l said that using a hand sanitizer such as Purell on Shabbos and Yom Tov is no different than using liquid soap; Iggeros Moshe (OC 1:113) holds that this is not permissible, but many Poskim (e.g., Shemiras Shabbos K’hilchaso 14:16) are of the opinion that it is permitted. Rav Schwartz accepted this latter approach.