Q&A: ‘Sabbath Microphone’
‘Sabbath Microphone’
Question
Hello Rabbi.
Today it was reported that Knesset member Shuli Mualem used a Sabbath microphone from the Tzomet Institute on the most recent Sabbath.
She took part this past Sabbath in the “Shabbat Conversation” conference in Eilat—and was interviewed by journalist Attila Somfalvi.
Somfalvi tweeted on his personal Twitter account—on the Sabbath—a quote from things MK Mualem said at the conference, about the Prime Minister’s investigations and the “Recommendations Law,” and attached a photo of Mualem-Rafaeli speaking into a microphone. All this, as noted, on Sabbath afternoon.
I wanted to ask what your opinion is regarding use of this microphone on the Sabbath, for political events and for religious needs such as prayers.
What about the “pure” halakhic side, what about the rules of degrading the Sabbath, and what about the “slippery slope.”
(And what about the personal example of an MK in the Jewish Home party…)
Answer
First, halakhically, in my opinion there is no permission to use such equipment (even where there is a need). I agree with Rabbi Yitzhak Brand’s arguments on this matter: http://www.rabbibrand.022.co.il/BRPortal/br/P102.jsp?arc=1328316&kw=%D7%A1%D7%95%D7%95%D7%99%D7%98%D7%A9-%D7%95%D7%A7%D7%9C%D7%A0%D7%95%D7%A2%D7%99%D7%AA-%D7%A9%D7%91%D7%AA-%D7%A2%D7%A7%D7%99%D7%A8%D7%AA-%D7%94%D7%A9%D7%91%D7%AA
But regarding the matter itself, many permit this at least in a time of need. And go out and see that many are accustomed to use it at various conferences. There is a need here, because Sabbaths are an appropriate time to hold such conferences. I personally took part in such a conference and asked to speak on Friday before the Sabbath so as not to use a Tzomet microphone. But I sat there and heard others who did use it, since despite my opinion they do have authorities to rely on.
As for degrading the Sabbath, it seems to me that everyone understands that Shuli Mualem is not publicly desecrating the Sabbath, and they are also familiar with the Tzomet Institute devices and therefore understand that this is what is involved.