Saturday, August 24, 2013

Making Millions On Saturdays - A Modern Halachic Possibility?

An interesting question that was the subject of discussion over Shabbos: We all know that ideally one shouldn't have Internet. But if you are reading this you probably do... What is the halacha regarding one who has an Internet business? Must he close the site on Shabbos? Think about it - a frum Jew can make a million dollars on Shabbos if his site is open for business.

I could give you a one line answer but that is the style of blogs and the mass media in general that I try to avoid. The rule of the thumb is 'the more superficial the better'. The real answer would require a full length article which I may or may not write......:-)

The issues involved Shvisas Keilim [must my "utensils" rest on Shabbos], deriving benefit from chilul shabbos, doing business on shabbos, schar shabbos [earning money on shabbos], zilusa d'shabbos [disgracing shabbos], lifnei eveir [causing someone to sin] and more:-)!

In the latest edition of the journal אליבא דהלכתא there is a thorough discussion with many sources, עיין שם.
All see the sefer רץ כצבי of Rabbi Zvi Ryzman Shlita of L.A. 
סימן כד