Q. The Aruch HaShulchan (Yoreh Deiah 277) teaches us that if one goes out, one is required to close his sefer or cover it with an article of clothing. Is this ruling true also for Torah being viewed on a computer screen? And would it be sufficient merely to switch windows?

A. Shach (Y.D. 277: 1) quotes Bach that one should not leave an open sefer when not learning from it. Doing so facilitates forgetfulness and the Cabalistic Sages instruct that there is a Malach known as Shomer Dafim (Sh”D) who observes and supervises offenses. (See Sefer Hazikaron from Horav CH. Kanievsky Shlit”a :35)

Poskim mention that the main reason involved is the denigration and lack of respect conferred to a most kodosh item. Therefore turning the page to something not yet learned, that thus cannot be forgotten, is of no help. (Bais Boruch 1 p. 31, Kinyan Torah p. 80).

Poskim deal with the time interval involved. Is a speedy exit to look for another sefer, answering a quick phone call etc. included? Yaskil Avdi (5: 57: 4) and Kaf Hachaim (20: 11) rule stringently even on short periods of abandonment, while other Poskim rule leniently (Aruch Hashulchon 277: 2, Vayaan Shmuel p. 711, see also Imrei Chonon p.325). They also discuss whether it includes an open Sefer Torah protected inside a glass showcase, that Sridey Eish (2: 79) permits, preferable when it is a disqualified sefer.

Kovetz Bais Hilel (39 p. 119) addresses indeed the leaving of a computer screen turned on with divrey Torah on it and concludes leniently, since it is not considered a written sefer as the pixels are constantly being rewritten.

Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is also lenient but for another reason. Most screens are programmed to turn themselves off after a while, so the process offers its own protection.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a