TV and Shabbat: Questions and Answers
Is it permissible to watch TV on Shabbat if someone else turns it on? How should children be kept away from screens?
- הידברות
- פורסם י' חשון התשע"ד
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Hello, I understand that on Shabbat it is forbidden to do work that creates a new reality, and therefore it's forbidden to turn on lights etc. But when the internet, computer, or TV are working before Shabbat starts, is it allowed to use them throughout Shabbat?<\/strong><\/div>
Hello. Browsing on a computer that was turned on before Shabbat is definitely forbidden since every click and page opening activates new systems, thus violating Shabbat. Watching TV that was left on, without switching channels, might still be considered enjoying prohibited Shabbat work, which is strictly forbidden. Part of Shabbat's values include avoiding dependence on the thoughts and values of TV producers, taking a break from the constant chase after material things. Observing Shabbat will bring you many blessings.<\/div>
Hello and blessings. I have been returning to observance for a few years now, but I couldn't influence my parents, and they turn on the TV on Shabbat when I'm home and hear it... Is this a sin? I'm doing everything I can but I don't want to argue with them to avoid violating the commandment of honoring parents. What should I do?<\/strong><\/div>
Hello and blessings. You are not committing any sin if you hear but do not actively listen. Furthermore, you are behaving correctly by not pressuring your parents.<\/div>
Hello and blessings. Baruch Hashem, I have strengthened, and for 3-4 years I have been observing Shabbat with joy and love. About a year ago, I decided to go abroad to work. I've been staying with my uncle, who doesn't observe Shabbat. I pray alone and study the Torah portion and Psalms. I have my own large room, and I usually stay in it most of Shabbat. My question is: When the family watches Israeli TV – there it's already after Shabbat, but here (abroad) it's still Shabbat – am I allowed to watch? (It's content like a football game, for instance). Please note, even if I don't watch, the family still will. Also, I know for sure that when I live alone or return to Israel, I won't watch or turn on the TV on Shabbat. I just find myself in a strange situation. On one hand, Shabbat shouldn't be compromised, and I prefer not to watch, but on the other hand, I don't see a Halachic issue. Thank you in advance, and may you continue your holy work.<\/strong><\/div>
Hello and blessings. You are not allowed to benefit from the TV being turned on by the family, as it was ignited in violation of Shabbat, aside from other prohibitive reasons.<\/div>
In our era, it's very difficult to protect our children from the media, communication, etc. We are a religious family living among secular family and neighbors. Until now, we were connected to HOT, and mostly used the channel for young kids even though our daughters are older (9-10). My question is about us adults - my husband, me, and the other adults - you have created a wonderful website that replaces TV time with learning and absorbing your recorded lessons. The content is rich, and we enjoy it immensely. May you continue to provide us with new lessons.<\/strong><\/div>
But what’s the solution for the children?<\/strong><\/div>
Here is Rabbi Zamir Cohen's answer:<\/div>
Soon, new children's programs will be broadcast, with Hashem's help, on the Hidabroot channel. For now, after reaching a level of strengthening such that TV is used mainly for children while you parents mostly engage in online Hidabroot broadcasts, it is clear that the TV is unnecessary in your home due to the risk of other channels. Given your situation, it is preferable to buy Jewishly produced DVDs for your children to watch on a computer (without internet access, or at least with the highest internet filters through Netive or Rimon).<\/div>
Furthermore, I want to mention that the Hidabroot management is diligently working with other organizations on developing a special converter that will connect to the living room screen, allowing only clean television viewing. However, the completion date is still unknown. To conclude, moving to an area where all residents are observant would be the best option. Experience shows that as children approach adolescence, the dangers of living in secular areas increase for obvious reasons.<\/div><\/div>
Wishing you great success and much satisfaction - Zamir Cohen.<\/div>
I started my path in advertising and acting on TV. I signed up today with an agency, and with Hashem's help, I will soon act on TV. I wanted to ask: Is it forbidden to act on TV?<\/strong><\/div>
Hello and blessings. Regarding the matter itself, being a TV actor according to Halacha doesn’t seem practically feasible. Acting or singing in mainstream TV is problematic as most scripts revolve around themes of romance, betrayal, etc. It’s forbidden to hug, kiss, or shake hands with a woman not married to you, even in acting (and of course, there are issues related to Shabbat, Kashrut, etc., though these might be managed). Also, most productions are made in an environment of impropriety between men and women, with immodest clothing, etc., and it is inappropriate for a person observant of the Torah to perform for a male audience things they are prohibited from watching. It causes a stumbling block. Some returned to observance saying the acting life often overlaps with real life. Listen to this lecture at this link – an amazing personal story of a Tel Aviv guy going on an exciting journey chasing the Hollywood dream. During the journey, he discovers dark secrets about the glamorous world and decides to change direction. Perhaps cinema can be done properly, seen in Shuli Rand’s work. He explained his current approach<\/span>on our TV channel<\/span> in a meeting with Adi Ran.<\/span><\/div>
Hello, I am a 19-year-old who has returned to observance. A few days ago, I committed not to watch TV at all, and it's all for Hashem's honor. My question is, is it permissible to watch only the Hidabroot channel on TV, or is it better to give up on that too, as it strengthens me, Baruch Hashem.<\/strong><\/div>
Hello and blessings. It is preferable to watch the channel live via the internet.<\/div>
Answers were provided by Rabbi Menashe Israel and Rabbi Binyamin Shmuelli, compiled and edited from the Q&A section on the Hidabroot website.<\/strong><\/div>
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*In accurate expression search should be used in quotas. For example: "Family Pure", "Rabbi Zamir Cohen" and so on
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