TECHNOLOGY UNDER THE MICROSCOPE: Chief Rabbi Rav Kalman Ber Meets With Mishmeres HaShabbos to Address Modern Halachic Challenges
Israel’s Ashkenazic Chief Rabbi, Rav Kalman Ber, held a meeting with representatives of Mishmeres HaShabbos to discuss the halachic challenges posed by modern technology and the growing need to ensure that new electrical and electronic systems comply with the requirements of Shabbos.
The meeting focused on the work of Mishmeres HaShabbos, an organization dedicated to examining technological developments and identifying potential problems that can arise when electronic equipment and automated systems are used on Shabbos.
The delegation was headed by Rav Eliyahu Beifus, chairman of Mishmeres HaShabbos, and included Rav Shmuel Yosef Shtitzberg and Rav Eli Friedman. Rav Rafael Frank, secretary of the Chief Rabbinate Council, also participated in the meeting.
Rav Ber welcomed the delegation and praised the organization’s efforts to address technological developments that could lead to inadvertent Shabbos violations.
“This is holy work,” Rav Ber told the visitors. “And observing Shabbos will certainly protect and benefit the Jewish people and bring them many merits.”
Representatives of Mishmeres HaShabbos explained that modern construction has introduced a range of sophisticated computerized systems into residential buildings, many of which operate automatically through sensors and digital controls.
They noted that residents of newly constructed apartment buildings may unknowingly activate electronic equipment simply by performing ordinary activities, including opening a faucet, entering a lobby, walking through a stairwell, or using a building’s garbage disposal facilities.
Among the systems discussed were electronically controlled water pumps, digital water meters, motion-activated lighting, electronic entrance doors, intercom systems, and sensors installed in garbage chutes.
The representatives explained that these technologies are particularly common in high-rise residential buildings, where computerized systems are increasingly integrated into the building’s basic infrastructure.
According to the organization, growing awareness of the problem has prompted numerous construction companies, including some of Israel’s leading real estate developers, to seek halachic guidance before installing these systems.
Rav Shtitzberg described the many inquiries received from residents throughout Eretz Yisroel and discussed technological solutions developed by Mishmeres HaShabbos in cooperation with manufacturers and engineering companies.
He emphasized that the most effective approach is to address potential Shabbos problems while a building is still being designed.
When halachic supervision is incorporated into the original construction plans and included in agreements with developers, the necessary systems can be installed in a manner compatible with Shabbos observance.
Attempting to modify computerized equipment after residents have already moved into a building, he explained, is considerably more complicated and expensive.
During the discussion, Rav Ber raised an additional issue involving the use of modern technology in commercial kashrus supervision.
The chief rabbi suggested examining whether remotely controlled cooking systems could help address the halachic requirements of bishul akum, particularly in large commercial kitchens where non-Jewish employees prepare food.
Hotels, institutional kitchens, and catering facilities frequently employ non-Jewish cooking staff, creating a need for appropriate Jewish participation in the cooking process under the applicable halachic standards.
Rav Ber proposed exploring a supervised technological system that would allow a Jewish mashgiach to activate cooking equipment remotely.
Such a system, if found halachically acceptable, could potentially provide another option for kashrus agencies overseeing large kitchens.
The proposal would require a detailed examination of the technology and the relevant halachic considerations before any system could receive approval.
Following the discussion, Rav Ber requested that Mishmeres HaShabbos prepare a comprehensive memorandum for consideration by the Chief Rabbinate Council.
The proposed document would address the need for halachic oversight of computerized equipment in newly constructed high-rise buildings, as well as electronic systems installed in shuls and mikvaos.
Modern mikvaos and shuls increasingly rely on computerized heating, filtration, pumping, and monitoring equipment, raising questions about their operation on Shabbos.
The memorandum would outline the areas requiring supervision, including digital water meters, pumps, electronic sensors, and computerized control systems.
The document is expected to be submitted for review and, subject to approval, published under the auspices of the Chief Rabbinate.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Rav Ariel Cohen, director-general of Mishmeres HaShabbos, expressed appreciation for the chief rabbi’s encouragement and his interest in expanding the organization’s work.
“We had the privilege of presenting to Chief Rabbi Rav Kalman Ber the organization’s extensive activities and the new halachic questions brought about by technological development,” Rav Cohen said.
“We received substantial and practical encouragement, both in the field of construction and in developing additional solutions, such as in the field of kashrus and similar areas.”
Rav Cohen said the organization has already begun advancing the matters discussed during the meeting, with particular emphasis on increasing awareness of the importance of halachic supervision before new technologies are installed.
“We are already working to advance the issues raised at the meeting, with the aim of expanding awareness of the need for early halachic supervision and ensuring that modern systems are adapted to the requirements of halacha before they are put into use,” he said.
“With Hashem’s help, we will soon be able to bring the public additional developments that will assist in properly observing Shabbos and enhancing its observance.”
{Matzav.com}
