Q&A: Programs
Programs
Question
Hello Rabbi Michi,
1. In your opinion, is there a problem with watching Eretz Nehederet? (I heard several people say it’s forbidden because it makes fun of people, involves gossip, etc.)
2. In your opinion, is there a problem with watching action series that contain violence and gun battles (like Fauda, Tehran)?
3. In your opinion, is there a problem with watching stand-up comedy where some of the jokes are sometimes crude (sometimes curses, and sometimes talk about sex)? And if so, does it depend on the person? (Ritva at the end of Kiddushin, assuming his inclination is under his control and it doesn’t lead him to sinful thoughts.)
Thanks in advance
Answer
- In my opinion, it’s a commandment to watch it. (Just kidding, of course.) There is criticism there, but it doesn’t fall under the category of gossip. It’s also already public knowledge before three people, and usually for a constructive purpose (criticism).
- No.
- It depends on the person, as you wrote. But in principle there is room to permit it based on what I wrote in column 487. But most of those guys are pretty low-level in my opinion, and they’re not worth relying on the leniency for.
Discussion on Answer
First of all, in my opinion that is not necessarily factually true. Contrary to the myths, a violent movie does not, in my opinion, affect the soul. I recall a study published by a friend of mine from CET saying that it’s actually beneficial (it allows a release of latent violence). And second, even if it did have an effect, I don’t think that would be grounds to forbid it. Cleaving to the attributes of the Holy One, blessed be He, is a matter of behavior, not inner character traits. As for traits, that’s an ideal, not a prohibition/commandment. And here too, a small influence one way or the other is not, in my opinion, enough to forbid something. Any little nonsense can influence us one way or another.
Thank you very much.
Regarding 2, I remember having a discussion with someone, and he said that the violence in these series corrupts the soul, and there’s also the idea of cleaving to God through His traits — just as He is compassionate, so too you should be compassionate, etc.
I didn’t really agree with those arguments, but in your opinion is there a bit of truth in what he’s saying?