Technology Archives | Rosh Yeshiva Responds

1 03, 2026

Contacting non Shabbat-observant people in a different time zone when it’s Shabbat for them, but not for you

March 1st, 2026|Family, Kibbud Av Ve'Eim, Orach Chayim, Prohibitions, Shabbat, Technology|

QUESTION

Is it permissible to have a phone call with someone non-observant in a time zone where it is currently Shabbat for them? I am assuming there is no particular need beyond the relationship. Does it make a difference if it is
a) a close relative/parent
b) if they call you rather than you calling them
c) if there is a need, but not a life-threatening need?

ANSWER

No, one may not have such a phone call.

There is a concept in the Gemara of מסייע בידי עוברי עבירה (mesaye’a bidei ovrei aveirah – assisting transgressors) which is distinct from the issur of לפני עוור (lifnei iver

8 02, 2026

Charging Hearing Aids on Shabbat

February 8th, 2026|Choleh, Orach Chayim, Prohibitions, Shabbat, Technology, Technology, Uvda D'Chol|

QUESTION

1 02, 2026

Managing Motion-sensor Lights in Hallways/stairwells on Shabbat

February 1st, 2026|Orach Chayim, Prohibitions, Shabbat, Shulchan Arukh, Technology, Uvda D'Chol|

QUESTION

New York, NY

A young man told me that his building recently installed motion-sensor lights in the stairwell and hallways, and that it is impossible to avoid triggering them. He will verify, but we are fairly certain that they are LED lights. What should we advise in this situation, especially given that this is becoming increasingly common?

ANSWER

Yes, this is going to become a widespread issue, especially as NYC has already enacted a law requiring buildings to install energy-saving motion sensors in

25 07, 2024

Using a Vegetable Spiralizer on Shabbat

July 25th, 2024|Orach Chayim, Prohibitions, Shabbat, Technology, Uvda D'Chol|

QUESTION

Israel

May one use a spiralizer on Shabbat, assuming one is making vegetable noodles that include the vegetable’s peel (e.g. zucchini zoodles)?

ANSWER

I can’t see why this wouldn’t be permissible; it just cuts something up. I imagine the question here is whether it is uvda di’chol, but that would not be a problem, since this is something that is done in the home context. As I wrote elsewhere

Rav Moshe (Igrot Moshe OH 4:74, Tochein 4) was asked whether an egg- or cheese-cutter should be forbidden on the basis of uvda di’chol. He first points out the irony that a labor-saving device would

1 02, 2024

Traveling by Electric Scooter on Shabbat

February 1st, 2024|Choleh, Prohibitions, Shabbat, Synagogue, Technology, Tefillah|

QUESTION

Maryland

I have a congregant who can no longer walk to shul. I have discussed the option of using the Grama scooters approved by Zomet and the Star K, but they cost more than $4000. She is able to purchase a “regular” used scooter for only $400. Would the financial savings justify using a regular scooter on Shabbat (perhaps with using a shinuy)?

Do you have any advice for

1 12, 2023

Using “Water Wow!” Toy on Shabbat

December 1st, 2023|Orach Chayim, Prohibitions, Shabbat, Shulchan Arukh, Technology|

QUESTION

Canada

Would it be permissible to use the Water Wow! toy on Shabbat? Assuming that it is, at the very least, uvda d’chol, what are other issues are there?

Here’s a description of how it works:

The basic concept is that each page is “laminated” with a very thin sheet of paper – almost like tissue paper, but more durable. When the paper is moistened by the water in the pen, it becomes see-through and reveals the picture underneath. There’s no chemical reaction involved.

ANSWER

Had it been that the water was interacting with some chemical to create the color, it obviously would be

23 04, 2023

Using an Electronic Based Toilet Training System on Shabbat

April 23rd, 2023|Orach Chayim, Prohibitions, Shabbat, Technology|

QUESTION

Baltimore, MD

There is a family who is using a nighttime toilet training program for their 9-year-old son. The program requires a magnetic sensor that triggers an alarm system. The alarm needs to be turned off and reset when it goes off. What options do they have to continue to use the system on Shabbat? They are concerned that stopping will break up the continuity of his toilet training.

ANSWER

I think it’s fine with a shinuy. I think bedwetting issues can be a source of a lot of psychic angst for

22 02, 2023

Adjusting an Electronic Keypad Oven or Stove on Yom Tov

February 22nd, 2023|Moadim, Orach Chayim, Technology, Uncategorized, Yom Tov|

QUESTION

Can one raise the heat on an electronic pad-entry oven or stove on Yom Tov? I will be leaving the burner on, but just want to know if I can then raise or lower the heat.

ANSWER

I have addressed adjusting the heat on an electric stove top, which is very similar to this question.

There are two issues here—making and extinguishing a fire

9 02, 2023

Adjusting the Temperature on an Electric Countertop Burner on Yom Tov

February 9th, 2023|Electricity, Orach Chayim, Technology, Uvda D'Chol, Yom Tov|

QUESTION

Chicago, IL

If I have an electric countertop burner that I put on a timer for yom tov, can I adjust the heat setting while the burner is on? Does it matter if I’m turning the heat up when the burner is already on or down when it’s already off (there’s a light that says if it’s currently heating or not)?

Do you have general guidelines on interacting with electronic devices on Shabbat/Yom Tov?

ANSWER

There are two issues here—havarah/mekhabeh (igniting/extinguishing), and use of electronics.

1. Regarding havarah/mekhabeh (igniting/extinguishing)
One

29 01, 2023

Sous Vide—Tevilat Keilim and Warming Food on Shabbat

January 29th, 2023|Bishul, Kashrut, Orach Chayim, Shabbat, Technology, Tevilat Keilim, Yoreh De'ah|

QUESTION

New York

Two questions regarding a sous vide:

1) Does it require tevilah?
2) Can it be used to reheat food on Shabbat, assuming it is on and in heated water from Erev Shabbat?

ANSWER

1. It does not require tevilah. It does not come in direct contact with the food (plastic bag and water both intervene). (Shulchan Arukh YD 120:4, Arukh HaShulchan YD 120:32, Sefer Tevilat Keilim, 1:4 ft. 7)

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