Q&A: Writing on Chol HaMoed
Writing on Chol HaMoed
Question
Is it permitted to write on something like this on Chol HaMoed?
Answer
How is this different from any other digital writing? Are you asking about digital writing in general?
There are different opinions on this matter. In my view, it is not included within the scope of the original decree, although it is likely that if they were legislating today they would forbid this as well. Therefore, from a purely halakhic standpoint it is permitted, and one who is stringent will be blessed. Of course, everything is subject to the usual parameters of the prohibition of writing (excluding holiday needs, prevention of loss, and so on).
Discussion on Answer
I didn’t understand. “Digital ink” is just a name. There isn’t any substance there that is ink being placed on the surface. There is writing there that looks like marking in ink. No?
There isn’t a substance in the broad sense. But such a device is made up of two sheets and electronic ink built from capsules that contain white particles and black particles, and when you pass the pen over it, it creates something that causes the black particles to rise.
The ink comes from beneath the outer sheet (the one you write on), not from above through the pen.
I don’t understand. Is this ink an electronic phenomenon, or is there actually a material there?
To the best of my understanding, it is an electronic phenomenon.
Understood well, thank you.
Just as an aside, are you assuming that the prohibition of writing is, in other words, “using writing materials” and not “the act/essence of writing itself,” right?
The act of writing is the creation of script.
It’s not similar to digital writing, because this device uses electronic ink (the device is actually intended to simulate it and make it feel as if you’re writing on physical paper).