Q. Hello Rov. in question 3841regarding a small screen that constantly shows what is happening at the Kotel Hamaaravi via a live camera available online as a Zecher Lechurban. You ruled that it should be turned off during Shabbat. I wonder, if someone left his cell phone on during Shabbat and it rings when a message comes in, can one read that message without touching the phone?
A. On question 3483 regarding if one is allowed to program his cell phone to vibrate or turn on its light for a short time in order to wake him up on Shabbat morning, we wrote: “Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if the cell phone is not placed next to him and there is no likelihood that he may without thinking turn it off before he becomes wide awake, it is permitted. However, The Rov recommended to acquire the kosher Shabbos alarm clock.
On question 1523 regarding using an Apple 3 watch on Shabbos that has internet and phone connectivity, when those features are turned off and only the time and temperature shows, we wrote: “Although YalkutYosef (4: 51, p. 213) Shemiras Shabbos Kehilchoso and others (see above question) permit the use of computerized watches, they refer to the basic models of yesteryear, not the complex ones available today.
Horav Shlomo Mille’s Shlit’a opinion is that one should avoid using them, even when all features are off and the buttons taped. The reason being that they more resemble and are used as a digital phone or mini tablet, than as just a permissible time piece.”
By the same reason one should avoid reading the messages that appear on a cell phone left on during Shabbos.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a.