Computer program as a Sabbath gentile

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asked 9 years ago

Hello, Your Honor,
I recently came across a new patent – an electronic Shabbat clock, which automatically detects when Shabbat begins and can be set using an LED screen to turn it on and off (without the traditional knobs on a familiar clock).
On the other hand, I understood that there is a ruling by Rabbi Feinstein that says that programming a robot is generally a statement to a foreigner, which is prohibited.
I would like to ask: Is it possible to build a smart electronic Sabbath clock, which is connected to sensors throughout the house and, with the help of smart, learning software, knows on its own when to turn on and off lights and various devices? Technologically, it is a direct continuation of an electronic Sabbath clock (with the addition of interaction with the environment), but on the other hand, it is similar in complexity to a programmed robot.
Additionally, is computer software considered a Sabbath genie in this sense?
And in general, what is the difference in terms of halachic rulings between the robot and the electronic Shabbat clock?
thanks

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מיכי Staff answered 9 years ago

I don’t understand the difference between a Sabbath clock and a robot. This is a golem and this is a golem. Furthermore, speaking to a non-Jew is prohibited for two reasons (I ignore what is implied in the SMG cited in the Bible, which is from Torah): 1. A mission to a non-Jew for a reason. 2. And speaking of words (speaking is forbidden on Shabbat). These two explanations do not belong in a robot. And from the point of view of grama, it certainly does not belong when the act that caused it was done during the day. Even with regard to Ashu because of his arrows (which is much worse than grama), the Namukhi wrote in P. B. D. B. that it is permissible to light a candle before Shabbat, even though it is considered to be his arrows for the entire duration of its burning (otherwise, there would be a prohibition on lighting Shabbat candles). Therefore, in my opinion, in principle, it is permissible to operate things with a pre-programmed robot as much as is permitted on a Sabbath clock. Although one must pay attention to the law of avsha milta (things that appear to be operated on the Sabbath and make noise or attract attention – are forbidden by the rabbis). The words of the Namuki that I mentioned deal with something more serious, since there it is not about a control mechanism but about the turning on itself. This is more serious than a Sabbath clock (which only controls the time and does not provide a renewed source of power), and yet it is permissible.

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אנונימי replied 9 years ago

So is it permissible to watch football games with a Shabbat watch in the first place? From what I see, modern jurists are stretching the "Ovedin Dachul" to cover this as well, do you think it is permissible?

אנונימי replied 9 years ago

*Of course, a Gentile game or a recorded one

מיכי Staff replied 9 years ago

You are mixing up a question of the prohibition of work with Ovadin Dachul. There is no prohibition of work in such a situation. Even with regard to playing by Jews. There is a question of the Sabbath act and of Ovadin Dachul and of Avsha Milta (due to suspicion).

גיל replied 9 years ago

And what about a "smart home" that can be controlled using voice commands? Is computer software that constantly listens and waits for voice commands prohibited?

מיכי Staff replied 9 years ago

It is forbidden to operate something by voice commands on Shabbat itself. This is unrelated to the question of Shabbat clocks and robots that are operated on Shabbat eve, specifically because it is on Shabbat and not by voice because it is not by action but by voice (although this should be discussed in light of the issue of whether or not to block voice).