Monday, December 31, 2012

Newspapers on Shabbat



Hi,

May I read a newspaper on Shabbos?

One may not read commercial information on Shabbos, whether an advertisement for a sale or a column of financial advice. Further, one may not read depressing items other than in a case of need.

The status of the rest of the newspaper on Shabbos is less clear. Some prohibit the entire newspaper, lest one read inappropriate information. Further, some argue that the prohibited material renders the entire newspaper muktzeh. [However, nolad and techum are not relevant concerns for a newspaper produced and delivered by non-Jews.]

Some further prohibit newspapers delivered on Shabbat, even when delivered by a non-Jew, because the Jew asks the non-Jew to deliver it, violating Shabbat. Others contend that receiving delivery is permissible because one does not instruct the delivery person directly.

(Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 307:13, 325:4; She'eilas Yaavetz 1:162; Mishneh Berurah 306:39, 307:3, 24, 55-56, 73; Shvus Yaakov 3:23; Maharam Schick Orach Chaim 123; Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 5:22:2-3, 16; Shemirat Shabbat k'Hilchatah 28:14, 29:46-48, 31:24; Be'er Moshe 6:6; Az Nidbiru 1:12, 3:38, 9:7)

Have a great day,
Mordechai


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