Dear Rabbi,

Is it permitted to use origami on Shabbos? (Origami is the ancient art of paper folding.)

Dear Avrom,

Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Aurbach, zatzal, prohibits making toys - like a boat, or hat - by folding paper, since it is like making a utensil. However, if the paper was folded into a toy before Shabbat, it is permitted to use it on Shabbat.

Sources:

• Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata Ch.16:19