Using computers on Shabbat

[Sparko]

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I moved the hebrew language discussion to a new thread:
http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/sh...d.php?t=108808

since it was way off topic here and we have a whole area dedicated to discussing biblical languages.

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[Salty]

However, without giving a binding ruling, I can tell you that the principle is that closing an electric switch of any kind completes an electrical circuit and this constitutes binyan ("building") one of the 39 avot m'lachot (Mishnah, M' Shabbat 7:2)

Then surely using a computer would be just as forbidden, since the operation of a computer involves the continuous closing and opening of switches, from those under each key of your keyboard to the millions of miniature transistor switches inside your CPU, memory cards and other hardware.

[Sparko]

Then surely using a computer would be just as forbidden, since the operation of a computer involves the continuous closing and opening of switches, from those under each key of your keyboard to the millions of miniature transistor switches inside your CPU, memory cards and other hardware.

good point. every keystroke completes a circuit.

[Mordochai]

Put not your trust in princes, nor in the Son of Man in whom there is no help. - Psalm 146:3

Salty, I'm aware that this is off-topic, however I must say that I love your signature quote - but I'm sorry to say that your translation is inaccurate; the Hebrew ends שֶׁאֵין לוֹ תְשׁוּעָה - "who has no salvation" (not "help"), and no translation can ever capture the sarcasm in the word נְדִיבִים, (rendered here as "princes").

[Salty]

Salty, I'm aware that this is off-topic, however I must say that I love your signature quote - but I'm sorry to say that your translation is inaccurate; the Hebrew ends שֶׁאֵין לוֹ תְשׁוּעָה - "who has no salvation" (not "help"), and no translation can ever capture the sarcasm in the word נְדִיבִים, (rendered here as "princes").

Ah, you're right. I must have pulled that translation when I was still using Koren Publisher's The Jerusalem Bible. I see that the Stone Edition Tanach has salvation, which makes my point even clearer. I'll change it now. Thanks!

[Mordochai]

Ah, you're right. I must have pulled that translation when I was still using Koren Publisher's The Jerusalem Bible. I see that the Stone Edition Tanach has salvation, which makes my point even clearer. I'll change it now. Thanks!

You could really drive the point home by adding verse 4

when his spirit departs he will turn back into dust - that very day all his schemes will be destroyed!

or even Yirm'yahu 16:19

Adonai---my Strength---my Fortress---my Refuge in troubled times! All the gentile nations will come to You from the most distant parts of the Earth... they will say, "Our fathers inherited nothing but falsehood---worthless, with nothing of any use in it!"