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Question
Hi Is it permissible to have a non jewish video crew record the Davening on Shabbos or Yom Tov
Answer
ב"ה Shalom, Before getting into the issue of melacha on Shabbat and Yom tov, I can't imagine that filming in a Shul on Yom Tov would not cause a major disruption in Davening. Think of all the equipment, lighting and sound, moving in to get a good shot. Just think of the kids watching, it would be a field day. In regard to the Melacha side, if the non-Jewish crew was hired by a Jew it is forbidden since we are not allowed to tell a non-Jew to do something which is forbidden except in special circumstances. Furthermore, the poskim forbid to have a photograph taken on shabbbat or yom tov. Some say because it is assisting in the melacha (שו"ת תשובה מאהבה ח"א, סי' קלד, שמחת יום טוב, עמ' 140, שמירת שבת כהלכתה פרק טז סעיף כו בהערה)) some say that since the non-Jew must ask your permission it is like telling him to do itשערים המצויינים בהלכה" (ח"ב סי' פ סע' סב ס"ק נד) and some say that it comes under the category of "ממצוא חפצך" which is an injunction by the Rabbis of not doing actions on Shabbat and yom tov. So, In short I don't see any practical way in which it could be allowed. Gmar Chatima Tova
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