Beitza 12,b.

1- We spoke about the two categories of ‘gifts to the Kohen’.

a- Terumah and Maaser.

b- Chala and Matnos Kehuna.

2- We spoke about the Trumas Hadeshen that derives from the Rashi in our Gemara that any ‘gift to the Kohen’ that remains “chulin” (category b) are not limited to be given on that particular date.

For example: Pidyon Haben: Ideally, this mitzva should be performed on the 31st day. But if the 31st day falls on a Shabbos, since the Chachomim prohibited a Pidyon Haben on Shabbos because it is similar to a business transaction, then it’s OK to push it off to Sunday.

3- We discussed the Trumas Hadeshen’s suggestion of giving the money to the Kohen on Friday with the condition that the transaction occur only on Shabbos. He strikes that idea because the Brochos are problematic:  Saying it on Shabbos defeats the purpose. One can’t say it on Friday since nothing has happened yet. To say it on Sunday is after the fact.

4- Now, this idea, is of relevance to commerce on Shabbos where the seller does nothing.

As mentioned, the Trumas Hadeshen,  the Brochos issue aside, seemed to say that there would be  nothing wrong in setting up a scenario before Shabbos that will register a business transaction on Shabbos!

Reb Akiva Eiger writes on this topic.

5- We mentioned the frum vendor, Mr. Davidson, that had the Chiclets franchise in the NYC Subways in the 50’s. He loaded the machines and people would drop pennies to buy the gum on Shabbos .

Was this “selling on Shabbos” that is strictly forbidden? Or perhaps permitted since the seller does nothing…

From Chiclets to selling on the the internet…….