A communal shatnez advisory from the Vaad L’Mishmeres Shatnez is warning that couches and pillows may contain prohibited mixtures of wool and linen, a concern that many people may not be aware of.
According to the notice, upholstered furniture and decorative pillows—particularly custom-made items—can be manufactured using both wool and linen fibers. Examples cited include couches and pillows constructed with wool fabric or padding combined with linen components, creating a potential violation of the Torah prohibition against shatnez.
The advisory explains that sitting on a soft or plush couch containing shatnez, where a person sinks into the material, constitutes a direct violation of “u’beged kilayim shatnez lo ya’aleh alecha.” Even in cases where a couch is firm and does not compress significantly, sitting on it may still be prohibited.
The notice further cautions that if there is concern a couch or pillow may contain shatnez—whether in one’s own home, while visiting others, or when staying on vacation—it should not be used. In some circumstances, having furniture or pillows containing shatnez in the home may itself be prohibited, similar to the prohibition against keeping shatnez curtains.
The Vaad L’Mishmeres Shatnez strongly recommends that all furniture and items that may contain wool or linen be tested for shatnez before use.
To verify the credentials of an approved shatnez tester or for additional guidance, the Vaad can be contacted by email at vaadlmishmeresshatnez@gmail.com or by phone at 1-877-4-SHATNEZ.
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4 Responses
Is this d’oraysa, d’rabonom, chumra?
In a car, bus, plane, a dr’s waiting room, etc?
Replying to Long island Yid: I don’t know the full answer but there is a famous story about the Steipler staying up learning all night then having to take a 6/8 hour train ride for a shidduch meeting. He didn’t sit the entire time because he had shatnez concerns about the seats.
Interwoven wood and linen threads are d’oraysa. Pieces of wool and linen that are attached or sewn together is d’rabonin.
Reb Moshe Sternbuch Shlita used to take Reb Elchonon Wasserman HY”D around in London, where you must sit down if there is an empty seat. As he didn’t want to sit down the driver shouted at him. Reb Moishe who was a young boy at the time answered, but it’s not Kosher. The driver shouted; I didn’t ask you to eat it and refused to carry on until they either sit down or go off the bus. Despite his advanced age, Reb Elchonon carried on his rounds walking.