Q&A: Engineering Studies on the Sabbath
Engineering Studies on the Sabbath
Question
Hello Rabbi,
I work as an engineer, and I also like to keep up to date and study material in the field.
Is it true that I am not allowed to study these engineering subjects on the Sabbath because it is considered like preparing from the holy to the mundane?
Even though I enjoy the knowledge itself, of understanding how things work?
If it is in the field of engineering but not specifically in my own area of work, would the answer change? (For example: an RF engineer who wants to study VLSI.)
Answer
The study of wisdom in itself is permitted (Responsa of the Rema, sec. 9 and others). If it is also your professional knowledge, then it requires further consideration. I think it is permitted if you would do it even if it were not your profession.
Discussion on Answer
In reasoning
Where and what needs to be examined if it is professional knowledge?