---
title: Siman 504 – Grinding spices on Yom Tov
description: "הChelek 5 1. If you need to grind spices on Yom Tov, do it with a shinuy: use a bowl, tilt the mortar, use a wooden mortar and pestle. Just be sure not to grind more than you will need…"
url: "https://mishnaberurasummaries.com/docs/siman-504-grinding-spices-on-yom-tov/"
updated: "2026-07-27"
category: Laws of Yom Tov
---

# Siman 504 – Grinding spices on Yom Tov

הChelek 5

1. If you need to grind spices on Yom Tov, do it with a shinuy: use a bowl, tilt the mortar, use a wooden mortar and pestle. Just be sure not to grind more than you will need for today. (ShA - MB , )

1. Do not use a pepper mill or coffee grinder on Yom Tov - it’s uvdin d’chol. (ShA  - MB )

1. You are allowed to grind garlic without any shinuy. (ShaH 18)

1. If you need to grate cheese or horseradish on Yom Tov, do it with a shinuy: grate it over a cloth or straight onto the counter. (MB )

1. You are allowed to chop vegetables very finely, as much as you need for Yom Tov. (MB )

1. You are allowed to grind matza with out any shinuy because the flour in it has already been ground. (Rama )

1. You might find big pieces of matza that didn’t get ground into matza meal. Do not pick those pieces out of the matza meal on Yom Tov - it is Borer. Instead, take them out with some matza meal. (MB )

1. Although you are not allowed to measure flour for a recipe on Yom Tov, it is permitted to measure spices so you don't over- spice the pot. But if you usually estimate the amount of spices, do not measure them on Yom Tov. (ShA  - MB , )

## Key

**ShA**
 : Shulchan Aruch

**MB**
 : Mishna Berura

**ShaH**
 : Shaar Hatsiun

**ShaT**
 : Shaaray Teshuva

**BeH**
 : Beur Halacha

**BaH**
 : Baer Haytayv

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