The name of Rav Chaim Zvi Shapira – the rov of Ramat Aharon in Bnei Brak and chaver of Badatz Machzikie Hadas Belz – has recently been used by “Kosher Switch” to promote their product.
Rav Shapira has expressed his dismay when heard that his name is being used to promote the lechatichila usage of the “Kosher Switch.” He therefore has asked Matzav.com to publish this clarification letter:
It has been publicized in my name that I permit the device called “Kosher Switch” or “Shabbos Switch” that one turns on electricity in shabbos thru “removing the barrier”, therefore I declare my position as follows:
I never permitted such a thing for the general public, only for ill people and emergency situations. Also I was told that it will help for those of acheinu bnei Yisroel – balie teshuva in the beginning of their journey, for whom the issue of turning on elecricity is keeping is holding them back from keeping Torah and mitzvos, also it will help those who are afar, who permit themselves to to turn on electricity thru a shinui – with their elbow – which is asur m’doreisa.”
But it never dawned upon me to permit such a thing in regular fashion for each and every one, and of course it is not permitted at all to use this device in a regular fashion. This thing is big obstacle for shmiras Shabbos kodesh. And for the listeners should be sweet and brachos upon them.
Chaim Zvi Shapira
{Matzav.com Newscenter}
