Halachot and Customs
Watching Television After Reciting Shema and Additional Questions
Question
Hello, honored rabbi. I would like to know...
1. After reciting the Shema before bed, am I allowed to watch television? (Without speaking, כמובן) I should note that it is very difficult for me to fall asleep without television.
2. Baruch Hashem, I have become more observant and I have many clothes that, because of modesty, I will no longer wear. I read that it is forbidden to donate them; is that true? And if I donate them to a non-Jewish woman?
3. I was at a meal of amen responses and bought a laminated Shema booklet. I wanted to photograph it for several people, to give merit to the public so they would recite it before going to sleep, and then I saw that it had a copyright notice prohibiting copying/reproducing. Is that reasonable? What is the reason, after all Shema belongs to everyone. Many thanks from the heart. Happy holidays!!
Answer
Hello and blessings
1. It is permitted.
2. To a non-Jewish woman who is your companion, it is permitted.
3. If the printer forbids it, do not photograph it. You may download the Shema from the internet and print it for anyone who wishes.
With blessings, Benjamin Shmueli
