עברית
Halachot and Customs
Is Watching Television on Shabbat Permitted?
Question
Hi.. I have been keeping Shabbat for over six months and I helped my friend strengthen his observance, and we both fully observe Shabbat! Lately, every time I argue that it is forbidden to watch television as long as I do not touch the remote, I find myself disputing this. Someone once said that it is like turning on an air conditioner before Shabbat and then enjoying it all Shabbat long, and it is not written in the Torah anything about television since it did not exist back then. I have no explanation as to why it is forbidden to watch television, even though it is not mentioned in the Torah. It is very important for me to understand in detail if it is permitted to watch or not, and if not, what the explanation is so that I can share and respond to everyone. My friend particularly watches it and I am tired of arguing with him that it is forbidden because everyone tells him it's okay and allowed, and I am wasting my entire Shabbat by keeping. I would appreciate an answer
Answer
To the questioner,
Apologies for the delayed response.
Regarding the 39 prohibited labors of Shabbat, it is true that there is no prohibition from the labors themselves because no actual labor is performed if the television is left on from before Shabbat until after Shabbat.
However, nonetheless, according to the teachings in the Shulchan Aruch and what the poskim say, it is forbidden due to the fact that producing the programs in the studio involves many labors that are prohibited on Shabbat, conducted by Jews who desecrate Shabbat, unfortunately. If they have done so, it is forbidden to look at the television, as one is enjoying from the labor of Shabbat conducted by a Jew who desecrates Shabbat (Responsa Yabia Omer, Part 6, Orach Chaim, 34).
May you merit to continue strengthening in your Shabbat observance, and may Hashem grant you the strength to continue on your good path.
Kind regards,
The Hidabroot Team
