Keeping Shabbat in a Smart Home: Halachic Challenges and Technological Solutions

As smart buildings and integrated devices become more common, the simple act of opening a faucet on Shabbat can unexpectedly trigger electronic systems. That sleek new fridge or even the public trash bin might include sensors and computers that pose serious halachic (Jewish legal) concerns.

“Today’s technology transforms nearly every mechanical function into something digital and sensor-based,” explains Ariel Cohen from Mishmeret HaShabbat, an organization that develops halachic solutions for modern appliances. “Maintaining Shabbat observance often requires creative, high-level adaptations, but in almost every case, there’s a workable solution.”

Digital Water Meters and Halachic Accommodations

One of the biggest challenges in new residential buildings in Israel is the widespread replacement of mechanical water meters with digital ones. These meters transmit water usage data to a central computer every time a tap is turned on, raising serious concerns for Shabbat observance.

To address this, Mishmeret HaShabbat developed a dual-mode meter: it functions digitally during the week and switches automatically to mechanical mode on Shabbat and Jewish holidays. The device syncs itself up to 40 years in advance. However, the added cost initially led some water authorities to resist installing it. In one case, a utility company demanded 3,000 shekels from a customer requesting a kosher meter; in another, they refused entirely until media coverage prompted a sudden reversal.

Thanks to years of advocacy, legislation was recently passed in the Israeli Knesset guaranteeing the right to request a kosher water meter. “This is especially relevant for anyone buying or renting a new apartment,” says Cohen. “The earlier you request it, the lower the cost.” The organization also provides updated information for travelers seeking Shabbat-compliant vacation rentals. “Even if the property owners are not observant, we advise them to install kosher meters so they can host observant guests,” he adds.

Mishmeret HaShabbat has also turned its attention to water pumps commonly installed in new buildings. Many of these pumps activate every time a faucet is opened, which is halachically problematic on Shabbat. The organization developed an automatic Shabbat mode for these pumps, but due to the higher cost, contractors rarely install them by default. Efforts have been made to legislate the inclusion of kosher water pumps, similar to the legal requirement to install Shabbat elevators, but this has not yet been finalized.

Fridges, ACs, and Even Trash Bins: Shabbat Solutions for the Modern Era

Beyond water systems, Mishmeret HaShabbat is actively working on adapting other smart appliances to Shabbat use. In a recent partnership with Israeli air conditioning manufacturer Tadiran, the organization developed a Shabbat switch for modern VRF inverter AC systems. These units use sensors to detect room temperature and adjust accordingly, but changes like opening a window or door can affect the system’s behavior, raising halachic concerns. The new switch disables the sensors on Shabbat, allowing the AC to operate in a consistent, automatic mode.

Refrigerators are another area of innovation. “We’ve already retrofitted hundreds of models with Shabbat modes,” Cohen explains. “Most recently, we developed a solution for the new line of integrated refrigerators, which do not come with a built-in Shabbat option.” This is currently the only halachically approved solution for that model.

And surprisingly, even public trash bins are now on the halachic radar. Some municipalities are piloting smart trash sensors that measure garbage bin volume and prioritize collection routes. Mishmeret HaShabbat is proactively designing workarounds to ensure that these sensors don’t interfere with Shabbat observance.

“High-Tech for the Holy”: Making Shabbat Compatible with Innovation

“Someone at work once joked that I do high-tech for religious Jews,” Cohen says with a smile. “In a way, it’s true. We’re constantly developing solutions so that observant Jews don’t have to give up on technological conveniences. There’s almost always a way to make it work.”

The organization also runs a public information hotline to help families, contractors, and vacationers navigate these issues. “People need to know what to ask for,” Cohen emphasizes. “Awareness is the key to making sure Shabbat and modern living can coexist."