TV on Shabbat

Asked by Joe · May 8, 2003 · Shabbat

Question

What are the prohibitions, if any, for watching TV on shabbat? (assuming, of course, that it was left on before shabbat started, and nothing is touched with regard to channels, volume, etc.)

Answer

Answered by Aaron Abadi

There are no specific prohibitions. However, it is certainly not Kavod Shabbat. Shabbat was made to learn Torah. On the other hand, if one was in the hospital, I'd recommend watching TV to be distracted. If there was a war, everyone leaves on the TV for up to date news & to be ready for anything. So there's nothing specifically wrong with the TV on Shabbat; there's something wrong with you vegging out in front of it on Shabbat. It is certainly better to watch TV, than carry in an Eiruv that is not valid. And then if people sit in Shul & talk throughout the prayers and the reading of the Torah, it's better they sit in front of the TV in their undershirts drinking beer. AA