Finer tags include phone, appliances, internet. Related tags include science.
6
votes
1answer
38 views
Dropping a phone siddur or chumash
If you have a siddur or chumash on your phone and you drop it, do you kiss it if...
the siddur is not open
the siddur is open, but shem hashem is not showing
the siddur is open and shem Hashem is ...
9
votes
1answer
93 views
Opening an umbrella indoors
Is there anything wrong with opening up an umbrella indoors according to Jewish tradition?
I have met many people who view it as bad luck or possibly rude.
On the other hand we are commanded not to ...
4
votes
1answer
82 views
How can I slow-cook dairy if my slow-cooker is meat?
I have a (meat) slow-cooker and very occasionally want to be able to slow-cook dairy foods. Is it possible to adapt my existing appliance for this purpose?
The slow-cooker consists of a glazed clay ...
4
votes
2answers
46 views
Is a head-mounted lamp better than a candle for bedikas chometz?
A LED or Xenon lamp attached to the head (link shows example) seems to be ideal for bedikas chometz and superior to a candle? Do contemporary poskim offer a view?
6
votes
1answer
37 views
Water from hydroelectric plant for netilat yadayim?
The Shulchan Aruch OC 160:2 rules that water with which one has done "melachah," is disqualified from netilat yadayim. Does this include water which has flowed downstream from a hydroelectric plant?
6
votes
4answers
238 views
Who determines the kosher status of “new” foods?
Who determines the kosher status for "new" processed foods (e.g. Jell-O)? A few orthodox rabbis' approval? General consensus by the Jewish religious community? Certain kosher standards organizations? ...
4
votes
2answers
120 views
What does “aerosol” have to do with spitting in the wind, or winnowing?
In this answer over here it is explained, that a "question" comes up with aerosol cans, based on a gemora which asks if spitting in the wind counts as winnowing.
Now, the spitting in the wind case ...
6
votes
2answers
170 views
Is there any issue with using aerosols on Shabbos?
I've heard from many people that you shouldn't use aerosols (such as air fresheners, disinfectants or deodorants) on shabbos, usually citing some vague reason of changing the form from liquid to gas, ...
6
votes
2answers
80 views
Fulltext search across sources: Gemara, Zohars, Rishonim and Aharonim
I know about Hebrewbooks.org for searching for sources in books, but the problem is you have to get to let's say every Masechta to look for a phrase. Is there a program (doesn't have to be free) that ...
4
votes
2answers
115 views
Is Listening to a Torah Tape considered Talmud Torah?
It says in the Baal HaTanya's Hilchos Talmud Torah that one fulfills his obligation to learn Torah only if he says the words. Moreover, a Chavrusa fulfills his obligation only because Shomeya Keoneh.
...
4
votes
2answers
98 views
Can you leave video chat on over Shabbos?
Basically:
Can you leave your computer with video chat on (to another person) on over shabbos? And what if there's also audio?
For example a relative in the hospital, relatives that in a far away ...
2
votes
4answers
52 views
Looking for a good English-to-Hebrew translation software
I'm looking for a translation software, or website, that accurately translates entire sentences and paragraphs from English to Hebrew, without grammar mistakes or funny language usage. Anyone know of ...
11
votes
2answers
88 views
Can I cause a Melacha to happen in a place where Shabbat has already started?
For example, if I live in New York, could I send a fax (causing the machine to print a document) to Israel on Friday afternoon, before it is Shabbat for me, but after Shabbat has started there?
3
votes
5answers
140 views
Suggestions for Kosher iPhone apps
I'm an iPhone app developer with mostly Jewish & Israeli iPhone apps and I'm open to new suggestions or ideas for new apps that can be useful for Jewish people.
Anyone here had a case that he ...
8
votes
2answers
149 views
Rabbinic Responses to Landline Telephones
Recently the use of cellphones and smartphones has met with a lot of criticism in some communities. I'd be interested to see if landline telephones encountered any similar opposition when they were ...
15
votes
2answers
108 views
Does artificial meat grown in a petri dish have the halachic status of meat?
Scientists are developing means of growing artificial meat in a petri dish. Does such 'meat' have the halachic status of meat?
Source: ...
11
votes
2answers
142 views
Am I allowed to view a Kotel Cam on Shabbos?
If there is a camera in Israel that is operating on Shabbos, am I (a person living in America, where Shabbos only starts 6 or 7 hours later) allowed to view such a camera?
I suppose the same could be ...
10
votes
1answer
94 views
May one reheat food on top of a crock-pot or urn on Shabbos?
According to my understanding cooked or baked food that is currently cold, may be placed on top of a pot that is on a blech on Shabbos to warm up.
What about putting cooked or baked foods on top of ...
6
votes
1answer
85 views
Do Orthodox synagogues have audio induction loops? Can they use them on Shabbat?
Let's assume we follow Rabbi Moshe Feinstein's ruling that hearing aids are permitted on Shabbat, but microphones are not.
What about installing an audio induction loop in the synagogue? It would ...
4
votes
2answers
62 views
How do Shabbos mode scooters work?
Related to a question about shabbos and yom tov mode stoves I wonder about shabbos mode powered scooters. I recall seeing them advertised in the Jewish newspapers.
How do they work, in terms of ...
6
votes
1answer
71 views
How does Shabbos/Yom Tov mode on a stove work?
Star-K certifies the shabbos mode on some modern stoves. (Oh how I pine for the day of simple rheostats on electric stoves, and pilot lights on gas stoves! Those were the days...)
Our GE gas stove ...
7
votes
2answers
97 views
Voice-activated electronics on Shabbat
Does using a voice-activated device constitute a melacha?
For example, Siri on an iphone
or, a even a voice-activated light-switch.
Does it make a difference if the computer doesn't take direct ...
4
votes
0answers
56 views
What are the practical limits of shaimos in the common era? [closed]
Possible Duplicate:
Hashems name on device
I've tried to always be careful in regard to shaimos, but I'm still having difficulty understanding how it maps out in the age of the computer.
...
6
votes
1answer
101 views
Why is it ok to use tap water/toilets on Shabbos? Considering the source of the water pressure
Why is it ok to use tap water/toilets on Shabbos? Considering the source of the water pressure.
The water pressure that enables the water to flow out of the tap has to come from somewhere. It is ...
9
votes
4answers
242 views
Why do music tapes and CDs warn about playing on Shabbos?
I have seen written on almost every music CD and Cassette Tape that I have in my house the line:
Please do not play on Shabbos and Yom Tov
I've always wondered if this is really necessary. Does ...
3
votes
1answer
51 views
Looking at a Kohen's hands on Video
One is not allowed to look at a Kohen's hands while he is performing Birchas Kohanim (source: my Artscroll siddur, but it is well-known too)
Would this also apply if one was looking at a video of the ...
13
votes
2answers
218 views
May one use a computer script to do something specifically on Shabbos/Yom Tov?
May one run a program or script (or other machine) that will remain inactive (except for a timer, of course) that waits until a certain time on Shabbos/Yom Tov and then performs a function that would ...
5
votes
2answers
118 views
DNA and Jewish Law
Why isn't DNA seen as a valid source of Halachic decision making?
Is it because it's too small for the naked eye? A margin of error propblem? What?
Normally, physical evidence is plenty of ...
2
votes
1answer
98 views
Could the 'air conditioner' shown here be run during shabbat?
I saw this DIY video, and was wondering if such a fan could be run before shabbat started and left running as shown?
The video on this page (Ignore the article):
...
3
votes
1answer
65 views
Wirelessly recharging a light-emitting diode on Shabbos
Could one use wireless recharging technology (see http://home.howstuffworks.com/question292.htm) to power a light-emitting diode (which does not have a filament that gets hot (see ...
8
votes
1answer
95 views
Cell Phone Jammers in Halacha
I could not imagine cell phone jammers would be מותר, but perhaps my gut-feeling is wrong...
Either way, I would be interested in knowing how they fit into halacha, and what the reasons behind ...
10
votes
1answer
97 views
the wheelchairbound's taking “steps” before sh'mone esre
The Shulchan Aruch, OC 94:5, writes:
Suppose someone is sitting on a boat or wagon [and saying sh'mone esre (amida)]. If he can stand up when he reaches the point of bowing, he should stand, so as ...
2
votes
1answer
98 views
Which rabbis forbade cars 100 years ago?
"Venishmartem Meod Lenafshoseichem"
I heard that there were Rabbonim about 100 years ago who forbade cars, saying that they were dangerous. Does anyone know who they were?
3
votes
1answer
31 views
Buying New Electronics During the 9 Days
Is one allowed to buy new electronic devices during the nine days (e.g. cellphone, laptop)?
7
votes
4answers
368 views
Is using a Kindle on Shabbat permitted?
A Kindle is an e-book reader that uses "e-ink" rather than an LCD screen. It has physical controls to turn pages. If left unused it enters a sleep mode, and you can return to reading by moving a ...
6
votes
2answers
109 views
If three men pre-arranged to sit down and eat together over a video-chat, is there any reason they shouldn't have a zimun?
I learned that if two groups were eating in two different rooms but even one person could see someone in the other room, then they could have one zimun (I thought this was in Masechet Brachot, but I ...
1
vote
2answers
85 views
Would the internet be considered muktzeh due to Nolad (a new thing)
There is a category of muktzeh on shabbat called Nolad. Nolad means literally, something that is born on shabbat. It is interpreted in the modern era, as meaning anything which you did not have ...
5
votes
2answers
67 views
What is the best online English translation of Tanach?
I am aware of a number of partial or complete English translations of Tana"ch online, but I am wondering if there are any I am unaware of, especially that fulfill the following criteria:
Precision ...
4
votes
3answers
151 views
Is it okay to drive a car on the Sabbath?
The books of Moses mention not stoking a fire on the Sabbath, if I remember correctly. By starting a car, i'm stoking a fire, is this okay to do for a Jew? Why or why not?
4
votes
3answers
177 views
Walking by an Automatic Door on Shabbos
Is one allowed to walk by an automatic door on Shabbos, if he/she has no benefit of the door opening (i.e. not walking in)?
How does this case compare/contrast to the walking by an automatic light on ...
6
votes
2answers
122 views
Is it actually forbidden to push a wheelchair outside of an eruv on Shabbat?
I have heard opinions varying wildly on the subject and am trying to make sense of them halachically. Is it illegal on Shabbat to push someone in a wheelchair, let's say, from their home to synagogue ...
3
votes
2answers
104 views
Yichud in Elevator
Is there a problem of Yichud in the elevator?
(especially considering there's a possibility that the elevator may get stuck)
[and specifically those without cameras]
15
votes
3answers
324 views
bicycle on Shabbat?
Is riding a bicycle on Shabbat permitted within an eiruv, being ridden only on pavement (so no unintended plowing), for transportation and not exercise, and with the understanding that repairs aren't ...
19
votes
6answers
656 views
Is it permissible to erase the name of G-d from an E-reader?
Most people seem to be lenient about shemos on digital screens in general (though Bar-Ilan does avoid displaying the Tetragrammaton.) The letters on the screen are just light, there is nothing really ...
6
votes
3answers
104 views
Robot as a competent proxy?
Would those who hold that a minor can serve as an agent in Jewish law (for a d'var r'shus - discretionary act, not a mitzva) hold similarly for a sufficiently intelligent and self-aware robot? The ...
1
vote
1answer
131 views
Music during Sefirah
I'd like to breathe new life into, and put a new spin on, this thread: http://mi.yodeya.com/questions/1046/live-vs-recorded-music-during-the-omer
So, a series of questions:
I'm not sure how I feel ...
7
votes
3answers
119 views
Technological innovations and halacha
A generally accepted halachic principle is that the Torah was not given to angels. As such, halacha is only applied within normal human capabilities.
A classic example is that one is not required to ...
4
votes
5answers
187 views
Will rabbis allow brainy Shabbat driving?
Saw this news story a few days ago about a car being driven with just thought, using a special cap with sensors.
http://www.jpost.com/Sci-Tech/Article.aspx?id=215704
To me this still seems entirely ...
5
votes
2answers
83 views
Is glow in the dark Jewelry muktzeh?
Is a glow in the dark necklace or bracelet muktzeh? Would any action I needed to take matter if I was already wearing it before Shabbat started?
1
vote
1answer
41 views
Microphone for Meggilah
Can one be Yotzeh Meggilah on Skype or webcast or through a microphone or telephone is there a difference between each? Does a Hearing Aid disqualify a person from being Yotzeh the Laining?
