Q. Dear Rov Shlit’a. Is it correct to place as a Zecher Lechurban (remainder to the destruction of the Bet Hamikdash) in our family room a small screen that constantly shows what is happening at the Kotel Hamaaravi via a live camera available online, since it gathers the attention of all. Is that advisable?
Can it be left on also on Shabbat?
A. Horav Yaakov Hirschman’s Shlit’a and Horav Aharon Miller’s Shlit’a opinion was that it is proper to do for those who use that type of communication.
You may add a frame to the screen that contains written words of remembrance of the Churban
Regarding living it on during Shabbos on question 1791 addressed the following question: “We have in our family room a very large screen that serves as a virtual picture frame. It changes according to the times we program it, into different scenes, images and pictures of nature that we greatly enjoy. We also display family photos, portraits etc. Can you during the nine days, change the images into new ones?
I once asked my local Rabbi about it staying on during Shabbat and he permitted it, if the controls are covered and inaccessible. Does HoRav Shlomo Miller agree?”
To what we answered: “Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that since the new picture displayed is only virtual and not real, it is not prohibited. However, to maintain and uphold the spirit of sobriety and sorrow that permeates and pervades during this period, it should better be left until after Tisha Beav.
The Rov also permits leaving on during Shabbos the picture displayed on the screen, if it does not change and stays the same during the complete Shabbos. He also maintains that the controls should be covered and inaccessible.”
In our case, since it is a live camera. Horav Yaakov Hirschman’s Shlit’a and Horav Aharon Miller’s Shlit’a opinion are that it should not be left on, during Shabbos.
See also question 2334.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a.