QUESTION

Can you please share your thoughts on chemical hand warmers on Shabbat?

ANSWER

The bottom line is that I don’t think it is a problem. The exact parameters of molid are difficult to define, but there is enough evidence that cases like this do not constitute molid. As to generating heat, when it is not bishul and not creating halakhic fire, there is no issur. Many poskim are matir the nightsticks, which you break and then they glow, and that is in my opinion more molid-like than this. People get antsy when