Q. At a bris mila done on Shabbos, the security camera on the entrance to the hall was left on. Can the family now use the recording to keep a memento and make a recording of the occasion?
A. A similar question is found in Chasukei Chemed (Shabbos 149a) where a permitted security recording was done in the hospital where the oifruff for a hospitalized chosson took place. Horav Zilberstein Shlit”a ruled not to allow the use the recording for a personal or a family souvenir of the event. If from the onset, one has the intention of leaving the video equipment on for both uses, recording on Shabbos would be prohibited. Similarly, he also rules that a doctor should not write on Shabbos with a personal intention or benefit, even if it is also needed for saving someone's life.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit”a opinion is similar, the reason being that it constitutes an act of zilzul or disregard for the holiness of Shabbos and opens a gate of opportunity for others to arrange the filming of events and simchos on Shabbos.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a
Important Numbers
