- Q. See question above. If the Kotel image is permitted, can it be left on during Shabbat also? As it already is, the images are anyway constantly displayed on line, for all to see. (Even on their phones).
A. Regarding leaving it on during Shabbos, on question 1791 we addressed the following inquiry:
“We have in our family room a very large screen which serves as a virtual picture frame. It changes according to the times as we program it, into different scenes, images and pictures of nature that we greatly enjoy.
We also display family photos, portraits etc.
Can you during the nine days, change the images into new ones? I once asked my local Rabbi about it when staying with him during Shabbat and he permitted it, if the controls are covered and inaccessible. Does HoRav Shlomo Miller agree?”
To what we then answered: “Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that since the new picture displayed is only virtual and not real, it is not prohibited. However, to maintain and uphold the spirit of sobriety and sorrow that permeates and pervades during this period, it should better be left until after Tisha Beav.
The Rov also permits leaving on during Shabbos the picture displayed on the screen, if it does not change and stays the same during the complete Shabbos. He also maintains that the controls should be covered and inaccessible.”
In our case, since it is a live camera, Horav Yaakov Hirschman’s Shlit’a and Horav Aharon Miller’s Shlit’a opinions are that it should not be left on during Shabbos.
See also on questions 2334 of May 8, 2023.
“Our Rabbis maintain that the live images of the Kotel should not be displayed especially during Shabbat, since very often besides the lack of proper dressing of some of the attending, they also involve the desecration of Shabbat by some of the visitors.”
It may also likely involve the services of different non Orthodox services and likely also those of other religions.
Important Numbers
