I have just started honoring the Sabbath. Are watching a Television that’s been turned on before the Sabbath, and using a preprogrammed VCR in the spirit of Shabbat?
First, let me say how impressed I am by your decision to begin observing the Sabbath. As our Sages said, “More than we keep the Sabbath, the Sabbath keeps us.” May you enjoy it and grow through it for many healthy years to come.
Regarding your question, it’s certainly a positive thing not to manipulate the television or VCR directly, for doing so would be a desecration of the Sabbath. This is not to say that watching the television in a particular manner is what the Sabbath is all about, however. In fact, there is a prohibition against doing things which are decidedly “un-Sabbath-like”. Watching television is therefore not at all appropriate for Shabbat.
The most important thing in learning to celebrate the weekly day of rest is just that – figuring out how it can be celebrated. It shouldn’t just be a day of prohibitions where we just sit around and wish we could do our weekday activities. You have to learn how to make the day special and appreciate what makes it unique. No phones or cars or meetings or work means lots of time for friends and family, real conversations, relaxation and above all some time for introspection and connecting with God. Being part of an inspiring community of people who are committed to doing all this is a great idea. When the day is filled with the special things that make Shabbat unique, you don’t even miss the television.
Regards,
Raphael Leban