- Shabbat and Holidays
- Reading, Writing and Paperwork
Study on Shabbat
Question
I read on this site that you can read non-jewish related books on shabbat (in response to a student who asked if he could write on shabbat, the rabbi said no, but he could read). i have also heard, though, that you can not even read seforim on shabbat that are not related to judaism etc. i have exams coming up and my parents want me to read my notes/textbooks on shabbat. from what i had previously heard, i have so far not done so. to ease the tension (and b"h do well in exams) could i get a definite answer as to whether i can or not? thank you very much!
Answer
Sefaradim cannot study anything but Torah on Shabbat. Ashkenazim are allowed to study not-Torah on Shabbat (such as for exams). Study of things that are forbidden on Shabbat such as theory studies for driving is forbidden.
Rabbi Yair Wasserteil

Postit notes on Shabbat
Rabbi Elchanan Lewis | 26 Cheshvan 5766

Chilul Shabbat for college
Rabbi Chaim Tabasky | 19 Kislev 5767

POST-IT Note on Shabbat
Rabbi Elchanan Lewis | 10 Av 5765

Newsweek, sports illustrated, people magazine on Shabbat
Rabbi David Samson | 2 Shevat 5763

Various Rabbis
Various Rabbis including those of of Yeshivat Bet El, such as Rabbi Chaim Katz, Rabbi Binyamin Bamberger and Rabbi Yitzchak Greenblat and others.

Backyard Eruv
15 Kislev 5763

Destruction of Divrei Torah
2 Kislev 5763

Mistake in the Kiddushin
3 Tevet 5763

Length of Sleeves
15 Kislev 5763

When does the Jewish day begin?
Rabbi David Sperling | Nisan 10, 5775

Bracha on water
Rabbi Elchanan Lewis | Cheshvan 16, 5769

Mezzuzah for Non Jew
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 18, 5773

Do non-Jews or non-Noahides go to heaven?
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Cheshvan 7, 5779

Organization
Various Rabbis | Shevat 10, 5783

How can someone change their community?
Rabbi David Sperling | Shevat 11, 5783
