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Reading on Shabbat: Difference between revisions
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### Some say that this refers to business documents only, while others are more expansive.<ref>There is quite a range of opinions regarding what exactly classifies under the category of "shtarei hedyotot" (lit: documents of the masses). Rashi on shabbat 149a implies that they are business documents (של מקח וממכר), which would be very reasonable why chazal prohibited reading them on shabbat. Shabbat is not meant to be a day of conducting business or even of looking into one's business affairs. However, Rashi on shabbat 116b implies that this category also includes letters that don't seem to have any business connection whatsoever (אגרות השלוחות למצוא חפץ). Tosfot 116b (s.v. v'kol sheken) seems to understand that Rashi initially thought the category was more expansive (rashi 166b), but then retracted this position to limit shtarei hedyotot to business documents (rashi 149b). Either way, the Ri cited in tosfot clearly takes the position that only business documents are included in the prohibition of shtarei hedyotot.</ref> | ### Some say that this refers to business documents only, while others are more expansive.<ref>There is quite a range of opinions regarding what exactly classifies under the category of "shtarei hedyotot" (lit: documents of the masses). Rashi on shabbat 149a implies that they are business documents (של מקח וממכר), which would be very reasonable why chazal prohibited reading them on shabbat. Shabbat is not meant to be a day of conducting business or even of looking into one's business affairs. However, Rashi on shabbat 116b implies that this category also includes letters that don't seem to have any business connection whatsoever (אגרות השלוחות למצוא חפץ). Tosfot 116b (s.v. v'kol sheken) seems to understand that Rashi initially thought the category was more expansive (rashi 166b), but then retracted this position to limit shtarei hedyotot to business documents (rashi 149b). Either way, the Ri cited in tosfot clearly takes the position that only business documents are included in the prohibition of shtarei hedyotot.</ref> | ||
## Guest lists and Menus<ref>The mishna shabbat 148b says that one may not read a guest list or menu. The gemara 149a cites a debate whether the concern is that one will come to erase some names, or whether one will come to read "shtarei hedyotot". The Shulchan Aruch 307:12 paskens this gemara. We are concerned for both opinions in the gemara, and therefore the only permitted way to read such a list is to engrave it in a wall, since this is difficult to erase (so no concern of שמא ימחוק) and also not easily confused with a document (so no concern of שמא יקרא בשטרי הדיוטות).</ref> | ## Guest lists and Menus<ref>The mishna shabbat 148b says that one may not read a guest list or menu. The gemara 149a cites a debate whether the concern is that one will come to erase some names, or whether one will come to read "shtarei hedyotot". The Shulchan Aruch 307:12 paskens this gemara. We are concerned for both opinions in the gemara, and therefore the only permitted way to read such a list is to engrave it in a wall, since this is difficult to erase (so no concern of שמא ימחוק) and also not easily confused with a document (so no concern of שמא יקרא בשטרי הדיוטות).</ref> | ||
## Captions to Pictures<ref>The gemara 149a cites a beraita which prohibits reading the writing underneath images. Rashi explains that this refers to paintings or murals on a wall, such as those depicting the battle between Dovid and Goliath, or depicting various animals. | ## Captions to Pictures<ref>The gemara 149a cites a beraita which prohibits reading the writing underneath images. Rashi explains that this refers to paintings or murals on a wall, such as those depicting the battle between Dovid and Goliath, or depicting various animals. There is a debate whether the reason for this prohibition is lest one come to read shtarei hedyotot (rashi 149a s.v. asur), lest one come to erase the caption (Ran page 63b in the dapei harif), or because it itself is considered shtarei hedyotot (Meiri, beit habechira 149a). Pri Megadim (Eshel Avraham 307:51) adds that the Beit Yosef seems to hold that way as well. Eliya Rabba 307:37 writes that the practical difference between Ran and Rashi would be if the caption is engraved, where the concern that you may come to erase wouldn't exist. </ref> | ||
# It is a debate amongst the rishonim how to extrapolate from these 3 categories to other types of reading. | # It is a debate amongst the rishonim how to extrapolate from these 3 categories to other types of reading. | ||
## Some prohibit all secular reading.<ref>The Rambam Peiriush Hamishnayos 23:2 prohibits reading any secular literature on shabbat, only permitting Torah literature. </ref> | ## Some prohibit all secular reading.<ref>The Rambam Peiriush Hamishnayos 23:2 prohibits reading any secular literature on shabbat, only permitting Torah literature. </ref> | ||
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### Reading for Pleasure<ref>The Shulchan Aruch 301:2 says that children who enjoy running on shabbat are allowed to run, even though running is generally prohibited on shabbat. He says that "so too it is permitted to see anything that gives one pleasure". This is very vague. Perhaps he means that one is allowed to run in order to see a sight that they find enjoyable (see Mishna Brurah 301:6 who understands it this way). However, the Magen Avraham 301:4 understands that this refers to a different leniency. Namely, that one is allowed to read captions underneath images on shabbat if it gives one pleasure. This would provide a major leniency in terms of reading material on shabbat that would otherwise be prohibited.</ref> | ### Reading for Pleasure<ref>The Shulchan Aruch 301:2 says that children who enjoy running on shabbat are allowed to run, even though running is generally prohibited on shabbat. He says that "so too it is permitted to see anything that gives one pleasure". This is very vague. Perhaps he means that one is allowed to run in order to see a sight that they find enjoyable (see Mishna Brurah 301:6 who understands it this way). However, the Magen Avraham 301:4 understands that this refers to a different leniency. Namely, that one is allowed to read captions underneath images on shabbat if it gives one pleasure. This would provide a major leniency in terms of reading material on shabbat that would otherwise be prohibited.</ref> | ||
#### The minhag is to be lenient on this issue, despite the objections of many poskim.<ref>Many achronim are not happy with this leniency of the Magen Avraham (see for instance, shaar hatziyon 301:7, who cites the Chemed Moshe and Maamar Mordechai as rejecting the Magen Avraham). Nonetheless, the common practice in many Jewish communities seems to be to take a very lax approach towards shtarei hedyotot. Perhaps this Magen Avraham is a limud zchus on this practice. </ref> | #### The minhag is to be lenient on this issue, despite the objections of many poskim.<ref>Many achronim are not happy with this leniency of the Magen Avraham (see for instance, shaar hatziyon 301:7, who cites the Chemed Moshe and Maamar Mordechai as rejecting the Magen Avraham). Nonetheless, the common practice in many Jewish communities seems to be to take a very lax approach towards shtarei hedyotot. Perhaps this Magen Avraham is a limud zchus on this practice. </ref> | ||
### Reading Secular Wisdom | ### Reading Secular Wisdom<ref>Mishna [[Shabbat]] 148b writes that one may not count the number of guests from a list on [[Shabbat]]. Abaye in the Gemara 149a explains that this is a rabbinic restriction so as not to come to read a Shtar Hedyot on [[Shabbat]]. What is a Shtar Hedyot which one may not read on [[Shabbat]]? Rashi 116b s.v. Shtar explains it to be financial calculations or letters. The Rambam (Pirush Mishnayot [[Shabbat]] 23:2) also explains Shtar Hedyot to mean letters and the reason for this is that on [[Shabbat]] one may only read Navi and it’s explanations and not even a book of wisdom and science. Bet Yosef 307:17 quotes the Baal HaMoer (43a s.v. VeHa) who agrees. | ||
However, the Rashba (149a s.v. VeLeInyan) explains Shtar Hedyot as a business documents. This is also the definition of the Ri quoted in Tosfot 116b d"h "kol sheken" and the Rosh (see there where he writes that reading shtarei hedyotot is a problem of mimtzo cheftecha from Yishayahu 58:13) [[Shabbat]] 23:1 (Rashi himself on 149a seems to say this also, and tosfot 149a d"h "shtarei" questions Rashi. see Netziv in Meromei Sadeh 149 for a reconciliation of Rashi). Therefore, Sh”t Rashba 7:288 rules that it’s permitted to read books of wisdom and medicine and quotes the Ramban who agreed. [Bet Yosef 307:17 learns this out from another Teshuva of the Rashba 1:772 where he says that one may analyze an astrological tool called the Istrolav.]</ref> | |||
#### According to Sephardim, one should only learn Torah on [[Shabbat]] and one may not learn secular subjects such as science. According to Ashkenazim, many are lenient to allow learning secular wisdom on [[Shabbat]] but a pious person should refrain.<ref name=":0">*S”A 307:17 rules like the Rambam who says that on [[Shabbat]] one should only learn Torah and not books of other wisdoms, however, he mentions that some are lenient. Mishna Brurah 307:65 writes that the minhag is like the Rashba, however, a pious person (Yireh Shamayim) should be strict. [http://www.ravaviner.com/2010/01/studying-secular-subjects-on-shabbat.html Rav Aviner] holds like the Mishna Brurah. 39 Melachos (Rabbi Ribiat, vol 4, pg 982) uses a stricter language saying strictly speaking pleasure reading is permitted but it’s best to refrain from any secular books. | |||
*Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 29:49 extends the Mishna Brurah even to permit reading professional literature, journals that does not include any business, and textbooks. He notes that Rav Shlomo Zalman (Nishmat Avraham 307:5) is quoted to say that a doctor could learn medicine on [[Shabbat]] but a medical student may not. | |||
*However, Yalkut Yosef ([[Shabbat]] vol 2, pg 214, 626) rules like Shulchan Aruch that one should only learn Torah on [[Shabbat]] and is only lenient to allow a medical student who has a test after [[Shabbat]] and is pressured for time to study medicine (except for the study of surgery) on [[Shabbat]]. [http://www.dailyhalacha.com/Display.asp?ClipDate=8/5/2009 Rabbi Mansour] on DailyHalacha.com agrees. Menuchat Ahava (vol 1, pg 234) writes that the halacha follows Shulchan Aruch but one doesn’t have to protest those who are lenient because they have what to rely on. | |||
*It's interesting to note that the Rama (Sh"t Rama 7) writes that he only studied philosophy from Moreh Nevuchim on [[Shabbat]] and [[Yom Tov]] when others were taking walks.</ref> | |||
### Reading for the Sake of a Mitzvah | ### Reading for the Sake of a Mitzvah | ||
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# It is permitted to read the ingredient list on food products on [[Shabbat]].<ref> Yalkut Yosef 307.12 </ref> | # It is permitted to read the ingredient list on food products on [[Shabbat]].<ref> Yalkut Yosef 307.12 </ref> | ||
# It is permitted to look in a phone book to find a specific name and address on [[Shabbat]].<ref> Yalkut Yosef 307.13 </ref> | # It is permitted to look in a phone book to find a specific name and address on [[Shabbat]].<ref> Yalkut Yosef 307.13 </ref> | ||
# One shouldn’t read a bus schedule on [[Shabbat]].<ref>Yalkut Yosef ([[Shabbat]], vol 2, pg 197) </ref> | |||
# One is permitted to read street signs on [[Shabbat]].<ref>Yalkut Yosef ([[Shabbat]], vol 2, pg 197) </ref> | |||
# It is preferable not to read sad things that may bring the reader to tears such as holocaust stories. <ref> Mishna Brurah 307:3; Ketzot Hashulchan 107:43. </ref> | |||
==Learning Secular Subjects on Shabbat== | ==Learning Secular Subjects on Shabbat== | ||
# According to Sephardim, one should only learn Torah on [[Shabbat]] and one may not learn secular subjects such as science. According to Ashkenazim, many are lenient to allow learning secular wisdom on [[Shabbat]] but a pious person should refrain.< | # According to Sephardim, one should only learn Torah on [[Shabbat]] and one may not learn secular subjects such as science. According to Ashkenazim, many are lenient to allow learning secular wisdom on [[Shabbat]] but a pious person should refrain.<ref name=":0" /> | ||
# According to Ashkenazim, one may read Jewish history texts that inspire mussar and Yirat Hashem.<Ref> S”A 307:16 writes that secular literature, romance, and history of wars are forbidden to read on [[Shabbat]] and even during the week because it is considered an activity of scoffers (Moshav Letzim) and it is like following idolater’s practices (Al Tifnu El HaElilim) and reading romance is also a violation of provoking the Yetzer Hara. Mishna Brurah 307:58 writes that Yosephon (not the same as Josephus) and a few other Jewish history books aren’t included in this prohibition because one learns from them ethics and fear of heaven (Yirat Hashem). Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 90:11 writes that one shouldn't study history on [[Shabbat]], however, one may read Jewish History books which inspire Yirat Shamayim and have Mussar in them, such as Shevet Yehuda, Sefer Yuchsin, Divrei HaYamim of Ri HaKohen, or Yosefon (which is not the same as Josephus). </ref> | # According to Ashkenazim, one may read Jewish history texts that inspire mussar and Yirat Hashem.<Ref> S”A 307:16 writes that secular literature, romance, and history of wars are forbidden to read on [[Shabbat]] and even during the week because it is considered an activity of scoffers (Moshav Letzim) and it is like following idolater’s practices (Al Tifnu El HaElilim) and reading romance is also a violation of provoking the Yetzer Hara. Mishna Brurah 307:58 writes that Yosephon (not the same as Josephus) and a few other Jewish history books aren’t included in this prohibition because one learns from them ethics and fear of heaven (Yirat Hashem). Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 90:11 writes that one shouldn't study history on [[Shabbat]], however, one may read Jewish History books which inspire Yirat Shamayim and have Mussar in them, such as Shevet Yehuda, Sefer Yuchsin, Divrei HaYamim of Ri HaKohen, or Yosefon (which is not the same as Josephus). </ref> | ||
# Many authorities forbid reading novels on [[Shabbat]]. Some are lenient for pleasure reading.<ref>S”A 307:16 writes that secular literature, romance, and history of wars are forbidden to read on [[Shabbat]] and even during the week because it is considered an activity of scoffers (Moshav Letzim) and it is like following idolater’s practices (Al Tifnu El HaElilim) and reading romance is also a violation of provoking the Yetzer Hara. Rav Chaim Kanievsky (quoted by Menucha Shelemah pg 226) says that it is forbidden to read narratives and dramas on [[Shabbat]] because they do not inspire to Yirat Shamayim. Similarly, [[Shabbos]] Home (Rabbi Simcha Cohen, vol 1, pg 57-8) writes that the minhag is lenient by science, math, and medicine but not history and fictional novels which are not considered ‘wisdom’, however, one who fears heaven should refrain from any secular wisdom on [[Shabbat]]. However, 39 Melachos (Rabbi Ribiat, vol 4, pg 982) (based on Rama 307:1 and Mishna Brurah 307:65) writes that strictly speaking pleasure reading is permitted but concludes that it’s best to refrain from any secular book on [[Shabbat]]. 39 Melachos adds that obviously if there’s objectionable material it’s forbidden to read on [[Shabbat]] or the week. </ref> | # Many authorities forbid reading novels on [[Shabbat]]. Some are lenient for pleasure reading.<ref>S”A 307:16 writes that secular literature, romance, and history of wars are forbidden to read on [[Shabbat]] and even during the week because it is considered an activity of scoffers (Moshav Letzim) and it is like following idolater’s practices (Al Tifnu El HaElilim) and reading romance is also a violation of provoking the Yetzer Hara. Rav Chaim Kanievsky (quoted by Menucha Shelemah pg 226) says that it is forbidden to read narratives and dramas on [[Shabbat]] because they do not inspire to Yirat Shamayim. Similarly, [[Shabbos]] Home (Rabbi Simcha Cohen, vol 1, pg 57-8) writes that the minhag is lenient by science, math, and medicine but not history and fictional novels which are not considered ‘wisdom’, however, one who fears heaven should refrain from any secular wisdom on [[Shabbat]]. However, 39 Melachos (Rabbi Ribiat, vol 4, pg 982) (based on Rama 307:1 and Mishna Brurah 307:65) writes that strictly speaking pleasure reading is permitted but concludes that it’s best to refrain from any secular book on [[Shabbat]]. 39 Melachos adds that obviously if there’s objectionable material it’s forbidden to read on [[Shabbat]] or the week. </ref> | ||
# Concerning studying for a secular test on [[Shabbat]] see [[Hachana#Study Torah and other subjects|Hachana]]. | # Concerning studying for a secular test on [[Shabbat]] see [[Hachana#Study Torah and other subjects|Hachana]]. | ||
==Reading Captions of Pictures== | |||
#However, if is a caption underneath the picture of a rabbi then you may have room to be lenient.<ref> Rav Moshe Halevi in Menuchat Ahava 1 page 236 cites some rabbis who allow it since it enhances your fear of G-d but nevertheless says one should be strict even in this. </ref> | |||
==Reading | |||
# | |||
==Newspapers, Advertisements, Business== | ==Newspapers, Advertisements, Business== | ||
#It is forbidden to read a catalogue of advertisements or anything that has any bearing on finances.<ref> Mishna Brurah 307:63, Yalkut Yosef 307.22, Rav Yisrael Belsky in Shulchan Halevi page 90, as well as Menuchat Ahava (vol 1, pg 233) who says this prohibition even applies if your a shopping for a mitzva related item such as the [[arba minim]]. </ref> | #It is forbidden to read a catalogue of advertisements or anything that has any bearing on finances.<ref> Mishna Brurah 307:63, Yalkut Yosef 307.22, Rav Yisrael Belsky in Shulchan Halevi page 90, as well as Menuchat Ahava (vol 1, pg 233) who says this prohibition even applies if your a shopping for a mitzva related item such as the [[arba minim]]. </ref> | ||
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==Giving Invitations== | ==Giving Invitations== | ||
# Technically, if the only time one see's his/her friends is on [[Shabbat]], one may give out wedding or bar mitzvah invitations on [[Shabbat]]. One must make sure that the distribution of invitations does not cause one to violate the prohibition of [[carrying on Shabbat]]. However, it is absolutely preferable to to give out mitzvah invitations during the week.<ref> Yalkut Yosef 307.21 </ref> | # Technically, if the only time one see's his/her friends is on [[Shabbat]], one may give out wedding or bar mitzvah invitations on [[Shabbat]]. One must make sure that the distribution of invitations does not cause one to violate the prohibition of [[carrying on Shabbat]]. However, it is absolutely preferable to to give out mitzvah invitations during the week.<ref> Yalkut Yosef 307.21 </ref> | ||
==Reading Mail== | ==Reading Mail== | ||
# In general it’s forbidden to read letters on [[Shabbat]] even of a social or business correspondence. However, if a letter of social correspondence arrived on [[Shabbat]] it’s permissible to read it silently (without moving one’s lips) because it’s possible that it contains crucial information for [[Shabbat]]. However, business letters may not be read on [[Shabbat]] at all. <Ref>Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 29:45. Sh"t Iggerot Moshe 5:21:5 writes that since we no longer get any urgent news in the [[mail]] this doesn't really apply anymore. see also tiltulei [[shabbat]] teshuva 29, the [[Shabbos]] Home of Rav Simcha Bunim Cohen 5:footnote 14, Beer Moshe 6:66, Rav Avigdor Neventzal in Yerushalayim Bimoadeha [[Shabbat]] Kodesh 2 page 260 who agree to be stringent </ref> | # In general it’s forbidden to read letters on [[Shabbat]] even of a social or business correspondence. However, if a letter of social correspondence arrived on [[Shabbat]] it’s permissible to read it silently (without moving one’s lips) because it’s possible that it contains crucial information for [[Shabbat]]. However, business letters may not be read on [[Shabbat]] at all. <Ref>Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 29:45. Sh"t Iggerot Moshe 5:21:5 writes that since we no longer get any urgent news in the [[mail]] this doesn't really apply anymore. see also tiltulei [[shabbat]] teshuva 29, the [[Shabbos]] Home of Rav Simcha Bunim Cohen 5:footnote 14, Beer Moshe 6:66, Rav Avigdor Neventzal in Yerushalayim Bimoadeha [[Shabbat]] Kodesh 2 page 260 who agree to be stringent </ref> | ||
