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Reading on Shabbat: Difference between revisions
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==Permitted reading on Shabbat== | ==Permitted reading on Shabbat== | ||
# It is permitted to look at a synagogue member's list and read from it in order to check whose turn it is to receive the honor of reading the Torah. <ref> Yalkut Yosef 307.5 </ref> | # It is permitted to look at a synagogue member's list and read from it in order to check whose turn it is to receive the honor of reading the Torah.<ref> Yalkut Yosef 307.5 </ref> | ||
# It is permitted to read mitzvah announcements on [[Shabbat]], however, it is forbidden to make business mitzvah announcements which include the price of an item. <ref> Yalkut Yosef 307.8 </ref> | # It is permitted to read mitzvah announcements on [[Shabbat]], however, it is forbidden to make business mitzvah announcements which include the price of an item.<ref> Yalkut Yosef 307.8 </ref> | ||
# It is permitted to read store sign or brand names on [[Shabbat]]. | # It is permitted to read store sign or brand names on [[Shabbat]]. However, those who are strict in this matter shall be blessed.<ref> Yalkut Yosef 307.11 </ref> | ||
# 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 | # It is permitted to look in a phone book to find a specific name and address on [[Shabbat]].<ref> Yalkut Yosef 307.13 </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. <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> | ||
* 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. | * 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.] | * 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.] | ||
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* 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. | * 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> | * 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> | ||
# 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]]. | ||
==Bus Schedule== | ==Bus Schedule== | ||
# One shouldn’t read a bus schedule on [[Shabbat]]. <ref>Yalkut Yosef ([[Shabbat]], vol 2, pg 197) </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> | # One is permitted to read street signs on [[Shabbat]].<ref>Yalkut Yosef ([[Shabbat]], vol 2, pg 197) </ref> | ||
==Reading captions of pictures== | ==Reading captions of pictures== | ||
#It is forbidden to read the captions of pictures on [[Shabbat]]. <ref> Gemara [[Shabbat]] 149A, Rambam [[Shabbat]] 23:19, [[Maggid]] Mishneh [[Shabbat]] 23:19, Rosh [[Shabbat]] 23:1. Rashi there explains that this is as a gezera from the rabbis so that you won't come to read shtarei hedyotot. see Meiri there who says that captions themselves are shtarei hedyotot and Pri Megadim Eshel Avraham 307:51 adds that the Beit Yosef seems to hold that way as well. Ran 63b in the Rif writes that the reason is that you may come to erase. Eliya Rabba 307:37 writes that the practical difference between Ran and Rashi would be if the writing is engraved where the concern that you may come to erase wouldn't exist.</ref> 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> | #It is forbidden to read the captions of pictures on [[Shabbat]].<ref> Gemara [[Shabbat]] 149A, Rambam [[Shabbat]] 23:19, [[Maggid]] Mishneh [[Shabbat]] 23:19, Rosh [[Shabbat]] 23:1. Rashi there explains that this is as a gezera from the rabbis so that you won't come to read shtarei hedyotot. see Meiri there who says that captions themselves are shtarei hedyotot and Pri Megadim Eshel Avraham 307:51 adds that the Beit Yosef seems to hold that way as well. Ran 63b in the Rif writes that the reason is that you may come to erase. Eliya Rabba 307:37 writes that the practical difference between Ran and Rashi would be if the writing is engraved where the concern that you may come to erase wouldn't exist.</ref> 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> | ||
==Newspapers, Advertisements, Business== | ==Newspapers, Advertisements, Business== | ||
#It is forbidden to read a catalogue of advertisements or anything that has any bearing on finances | #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 permissible to read a pamphlet that has both Torah and advertisements as long as one is careful to not look at the advertisements. <ref> Hazon Ovadia, Volume 5, Page 72; Ach Tov VaHessed, Year 5783, Pages 115-116 </ref> | # It is permissible to read a pamphlet that has both Torah and advertisements as long as one is careful to not look at the advertisements.<ref> Hazon Ovadia, Volume 5, Page 72; Ach Tov VaHessed, Year 5783, Pages 115-116 </ref> | ||
# It is forbidden to read a recipes or a cookbook on Shabbat.<Ref>Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata 29:48 writes that it is included in the prohibition of mimso chefsacha. Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach thought that if one’s intent is purely to see how the food tastes better and isn’t concerned with how to cook it, maybe it would be considered a book of wisdom. Halacha Brurah (307:90, Amirah Lnochri v. 2 p. 329) writes that based on Rav Shlomo Zalman it is forbidden for Sephardim who hold it is forbidden to learn a science book on Shabbat. He also quotes Beer Moshe 6:67 who was lenient since people are only looking at the recipes for pleasure. Halacha Brurah still holds that it is forbidden. Listen to [http://www.dailyhalacha.com/m/halacha.aspx?id=3230 Rabbi Mansour on dailyhalacha.com] and [http://blog.webyeshiva.org/halacha-yomit-reading-cookbooks-on-shabbat/ Rabbi Brovender] explained this halacha.</ref> | # It is forbidden to read a recipes or a cookbook on Shabbat.<Ref>Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata 29:48 writes that it is included in the prohibition of mimso chefsacha. Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach thought that if one’s intent is purely to see how the food tastes better and isn’t concerned with how to cook it, maybe it would be considered a book of wisdom. Halacha Brurah (307:90, Amirah Lnochri v. 2 p. 329) writes that based on Rav Shlomo Zalman it is forbidden for Sephardim who hold it is forbidden to learn a science book on Shabbat. He also quotes Beer Moshe 6:67 who was lenient since people are only looking at the recipes for pleasure. Halacha Brurah still holds that it is forbidden. Listen to [http://www.dailyhalacha.com/m/halacha.aspx?id=3230 Rabbi Mansour on dailyhalacha.com] and [http://blog.webyeshiva.org/halacha-yomit-reading-cookbooks-on-shabbat/ Rabbi Brovender] explained this halacha.</ref> | ||
# Many poskim forbid ordering a newspaper that is printed and delivered on Shabbat, while some are lenient if most of the subscribers are non-Jewish.<ref> | # Many poskim forbid ordering a newspaper that is printed and delivered on Shabbat, while some are lenient if most of the subscribers are non-Jewish.<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]]. | # 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> | ||
==Sad stories== | ==Sad stories== | ||
#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> | #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> | ||
