Internet use during Sabbath

[Boyd]

I would just like to get some opinions on using the internet during Sabbath. I have seen it go both ways. For me, I refrain from such use as it becomes a distraction, much like television would. I don't necessarily see anything wrong with it though. Other ideas?

 

[Levite]

I would just like to get some opinions on using the internet during Sabbath. I have seen it go both ways. For me, I refrain from such use as it becomes a distraction, much like television would. I don't necessarily see anything wrong with it though. Other ideas?

I don't hold that electricity is fire, so technically, I don't believe internet usage is prohibited on Shabbat-- except, obviously, for business related purposes.

But Shabbat is about more than the bare bones of halachic prohibitions. While internet use might be permitted on Shabbat, I think it does not at all promote ruach shabbat, the spiritual atmosphere appropriate to Shabbat. That it might be technically permissible is irrelevant: better to avoid it anyhow.

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

I ave zero problem with it.

 

[Flankerl]

I don't hold that electricity is fire

Of course it isnt.

Basic physics.

 

[Avi1001]

In my view, Shabbat is a day of reflection. It is about your personal search. If the internet can help with that, I say go for it.

I would just like to get some opinions on using the internet during Sabbath. I have seen it go both ways. For me, I refrain from such use as it becomes a distraction, much like television would. I don't necessarily see anything wrong with it though. Other ideas?

 

[dantech]

I don't hold that electricity is fire, so technically, I don't believe internet usage is prohibited on Shabbat-- except, obviously, for business related purposes.

But Shabbat is about more than the bare bones of halachic prohibitions. While internet use might be permitted on Shabbat, I think it does not at all promote ruach shabbat, the spiritual atmosphere appropriate to Shabbat. That it might be technically permissible is irrelevant: better to avoid it anyhow.

Have you read "Halacha, Medical Science & Technology" by Rabbi Faitel Levin? If so, what did you think about it?

 

[Levite]

Have you read "Halacha, Medical Science & Technology" by Rabbi Faitel Levin? If so, what did you think about it?

I haven't read it, no, though I have heard of him.

 

[Dena]

My electrician husband insist that electricity is indeed a form of lightning fire. For a time I refrained for internet use on Shabbat but I don't really care much anymore.

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

My electrician husband insist that electricity is indeed a form of lightning fire.

You have a very creative husband.

 

[Avi1001]

My electrician husband insist that electricity is indeed a form of lightning fire.

Your husband is correct, both are streams of flowing electrons.

 

[dantech]

Levite, when you turn on a light, you are "Boreh" of an electrical circuit, regardless of whether or not electricity is fire.

What are your thoughts?

 

[Flankerl]

Your husband is correct, both are streams of flowing electrons.

Fire has as much to do with electrons as your own body, sand or a torah scroll.

 

[Avi1001]

Fire has as much to do with electrons as your own body, sand or a torah scroll.

http://teachers.greenville.k12.sc.us/sites/spresgraves/honors chemistry/Curriculum/Flame Tests.pdf

 

[Flankerl]

Yeah the link doesnt work.

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

Worked for me.

 

[Avi1001]

Yeah the link doesnt work.

The link explains the relationship between flames and electrons.

 

[Flankerl]

Worked for me.

Perhaps for people in the USA.

The link explains the relationship between flames and electrons.

Do tell.

 

[Avi1001]

Do tell.

As a chemist, I believe you know the relation between flames and electrons.

Dena's husband brought that relation forward. And he is correct.

 

[Levite]

As a chemist, I believe you know the relation between flames and electrons.

Dena's husband brought that relation forward. And he is correct.

Electricity is an arc of electrons. Fire is a radiating plasma. How are they identical?

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

As a chemist, I believe you know the relation between flames and electrons.

Dena's husband brought that relation forward. And he is correct.

And yet ...

Nobel prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman recounts that he was approached by young rabbis in a seminary who asked him "is electricity fire?". He replied, "no", but asked why they wanted to know, and was shocked that they weren't interested in science at all, but just wanted to interpret the Talmud. Feynman said that electricity was not a chemical process, as fire is, and pointed out that there is electricity in atoms and thus every phenomenon that occurs in the world. Feynman proposed a simple way to eliminate the spark: '"If that's what's bothering you, you can put a condenser across the switch, so the electricity will go on and off without any spark whatsoever—anywhere.' But for some reason, they didn't like that idea either".

- Wikipedia