Ask the Rabbi

  • Shabbat and Holidays
  • General Questions

Social Media on tragic days

undefined

Rabbi David Sperling

Tammuz 29, 5779
Question
During the period of the Three Weeks (from Shiva’a Asar BeTammuz through Tisha B’Av is it allowed to use Facebook, social media, or watch tv? thank you
Answer
Shalom, Thank you for your question. On Tishba B'Av itself there is room to refrain from using anything that might distract us from the meaning of the day, and from our mourning. If using these forms of media will draw a person away from the essence of the fast, then they should be avoided. On the other hand, if one is using them to listen to a Torah class (or read an article) about the day itself, then it would be a good thing. As to the three weeks – there is no reason to forbid these social media forms. As long as one is careful of what they always need to be careful of all year round, (Lashon HaRah, modesty, etc) there is no particular reason to forbid them. Everything depends on the content, as it does with television and movies etc. Watching musical performances, comedy shows etc are not appropriate at this time of year. On the other hand, today one can find many very good Torah content shows and lessons on the internet tv that would certainly be permitted. Blessings.
את המידע הדפסתי באמצעות אתר yeshiva.org.il