- Q. Hello Rav, I'm looking into buying a video doorbell system. I believe it captures video and sends alerts to your phone when people are in front of it. What should I do with it on Shabbat?
For example, does it need to be covered? Is covering enough? What if I forgot to cover it one time, could we still use the front door. (I'm sephardic, so maybe there is more room for leniency with a d'rabbanan psik reisha where I'm not benefiting). THanks
A. Indeed one should disconnect or deactivate by covering the sensor.
On question 675 we wrote:
“Q. Does one have to be careful when walking down a street on Shabbos to not activate motion sensor lights? I would have to remember to cross the street to avoid one.
A. Shemiras Shabbos Kehilchoso (23: 53) quoting Yesodei Yishurun (5: p. 160) prohibits entering through an automatic door operated by a sensor.
A light that would likewise be turned on, would be similar. However when there is already enough light in the street and the additional one being activated by the sensor is unnecessary, it becomes a case of “Pesik Reisho Delo Nicho Lei” or a sure consequential act that provides no benefit, which Poskim permit when it is not intentional.
Some Poskim would permit walking by the sensor even when the light provides benefit, if one closes the eyes (39 Melochos p. 1215.)
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that one should try to avoid activating the sensor when possible and to cross over to the other side of the street. When that is not an option it is permitted, if it is unintentional.”
In case one forgot to do so, one can ask a Gentile to cover it with a Shinui or in an unusual way.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revisedby, Horav Yaakov Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
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