Therefore, your son is correct in his understanding that tying knots on the Sabbath is prohibited, especially knots that are considered permanent or long-lasting. However, in the case of tying shoelaces, as long as the knot is intended to be untied within 24 hours, it is permitted according to Jewish law.
It is important to continue learning and studying the laws and customs surrounding the Sabbath to ensure that one’s observance is in accordance with Jewish tradition. Consult with a knowledgeable rabbi or religious authority for further guidance on this matter.
May your son’s dedication to observing the Sabbath with care and reverence bring him blessings and fulfillment in his spiritual journey.
Therefore, [even] in the afternoon after his [Shabbat] afternoon nap, he may tie a [bow on top of a knot], as at night on Motzaâei Shabbat he will [surely] untie it and there is no apprehension in this matter.
Neckties present a different set of circumstances for some individuals. I present myself as the example. Since I find that at times I have to make the tie [i.e., tie the knot] more than once in order to assure that the front of the tie is longer than the back half, I therefore make all my ties in advance and keep them together with the matching suit. When I put it on, I simply loosen the loop so that I am able to slip the tie over my head and then adjust it around my neck. When I wish to remove the tie, I simply do the same in reverse order.
What is not so simple is the following: According to all views, since I leave the tie in its knot permanently (save for when it is sent off to the cleaners), I would not be allowed to untie that knot on the Sabbath.
Now, returning to the belt â the chagorah (gartel) that is tied around the Torah: Rabbi Yehoshua Neuwirth (Shemirat Shabbat Kâhilchato, vol. 1, chapter 15:52) notes that when one will leave it tied for an extended period, albeit not a full week [of seven days], and it is for a mitzvah [such as securing a Torah scroll properly], doing so is permitted.
Nowadays it has become commonplace to use either an elasticized belt with a buckle or a belt with two Velcro fasteners; thus the entire question of tying and untying the Sefer Torahâs belt on the Sabbath and festivals can be bypassed.
In the same vein, some people prefer loafers (shoes without laces) on the Sabbath for ease of use as well as avoidance of tying and untying. It seems that your son has chosen to do this for now. As regards a necktie, there really is no halacha that states that one must wear one, so if thatâs his choice, so be it. It is possible that he will resume wearing lace-up shoes and a tie at some point, so as his current practice does have basis in halacha it may be best not to pressure him one way or the other.
May continued discussion of hilchot Shabbat and scrupulous observance of the laws bring us to merit a yom shekulo Shabbat with the advent of Moshiach speedily in our days.