The head of the Zomet Institute, which deals with everyday challenges to Jewish Law posed by modern technology, Rabbi Menachem Perel, met today (Monday) with the chief rabbi and president of the Great Rabbinical Court, Rabbi David Lau.
During the meeting, Rabbi Perel presented Rabbi Lau with Zomet's new book on halakhic rulings. Rabbi Lau is said to have been impressed with the many articles exploring a variety of topics.
Regarding Rabbi Perel's article on the subject of cyber protection on Shabbat, Rabbi Lau asked to hold a wide-ranging meeting of experts to investigate the issue in-depth and issue a clear and in-depth halakhic ruling on the subject.
Rabbi Lau also raised issues regarding Rabbi Perel's rulings regarding divorce, joint custody, and the exchange of fetuses at Assuta Medical Center in Ashdod. In addition, the rabbis discussed the issue of building construction approved by Jewish Law that has been promoted at the Zomet Institute in recent years. Rabbi Lau indicated to Rabbi Perel that he intends to talk to other parties in order to promote this important initiative.
"I appreciate the meeting with Chief Rabbi David Lau," said Rabbi Perel. "I was happy to present the Rabbi with a copy of the book that was published recently. I am happy that the Rabbi asked to promote an in-depth discussion on the topic of cyber protection on Shabbat, which I expanded on in Volume 2 of the new book. This is an important topic that is becoming more and more relevant with each day."
"I am also happy that the rabbi expressed a willingness to promote and act on the issue of proper construction that we promote. In modern construction of houses and apartments, many innovative technologies are already integrated at the planning and construction level," he added.
"In many cases, (light) systems are equipped with sensitive electronic sensors, which 'follow' the occupants, and respond with electrical operations accordingly, and thus the user may actually operate electrical systems on Shabbat without even being aware of it. In recent years we have developed halakhic solutions for these systems. We established relationships with the companies that market them and adapted them to market needs. I hope that with Rabbi Lau's help, we will continue to promote this important issue," concluded Rabbi Perel.