- All the Questions
Solar Panels
Question
I have a solar panel connected to a fan in my room and I was curious what would happen if I would open a window to let in some light. Is it permitted If I had intention to let in the light to activate my fan on Shabbat? Is it permitted if my intention was just to open my window and have more air?
Answer
Exposing a solar panel to sunlight creates an electric current flow which may be a Torah prohibition. Operating a fan this way is not considered Grama (indirect action) but a Ma’aseh B’Yadayim (direct action) because this is the way of operating it. Therefore one should not expose a solar panel to sunlight, whether his intention is to activate the fan or just to have some more air in the room. One should make sure to cover the solar panel before opening a window so it should not be activated.
(For sources in detail see my article in Hebrew "Solar Fan on Shabbat").

Relocating deceased relatives
Rabbi Jonathan Blass | 19 Adar 5764
Apartment Eviction
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Shevat 9, 5783

Is Wearing a Flag obligated in Tzitzit?
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Iyyar 25, 5772

Kashering a dishwasher
Rabbi David Sperling | Cheshvan 23, 5778
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt
Founder & dean of YORU a unique program designed to cultivate the next generation of Rabbis and Jewish leaders
Multiple Kaddishes at End of Tefillah
Elul 22, 5769
Brachot on food
Tishrei 4, 5770
Learning/ praying Arvit on the way home
Elul 20, 5769
Returning lost property
Tishrei 9, 5770

Krill Oil
Rabbi David Sperling | Tammuz 20, 5775

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

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

Giving Tzdaka with Right Hand
Rabbi David Sperling | Tammuz 28, 5772

Organization
Various Rabbis | Shevat 10, 5783
How to split expenses for a group event
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Shevat 9, 5783

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