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May I have an AI agent or robot perform work for me on Shabbos?
Episode 5

May I have an AI agent or robot perform work for me on Shabbos?

Lemaan Yishmeu - Rabbi Braun

February 27, 202627m 36s

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Show Notes

In this week’s episode, the topics discussed by Rabbi Braun include:

AI & Automation on Shabbos: 

  • May one program an AI coding agent before Shabbos to build or maintain systems (fix bugs, run a production line, etc.) while it continues working on Shabbos?​
  • Does the concern of avsha milsa (“noise-making”) apply to automated processes on Shabbos, and how is “noise” defined — is it the physical sound, or public awareness that work is being done?
  • Is there reason to enact new restrictions on automated systems (answering machines, automated factories) because they may erode the spirit and kedusha of Shabbos?​

Shabbos Clocks: 

  • Are Shabbos clocks for lights and other appliances fundamentally permitted, and are there limits to what may be automated?​

When to Say “Shir Hamaalos”: 

  • On which days or situations should one say “Al Naharos Bavel” versus “Shir Hamaalos” before bentching according to Chabad minhag, especially given conflicting stories and rumors about the Rebbeim’s practice?​

“Ad D’lo Yada” on Motzaei Purim: 

  • When the Rebbe instructed one person at the Purim farbrengen to reach a state of ad d’lo yada and motzi everyone else, how was this still applicable after bentching and Maariv, when Purim was technically over?​
  • Is the requirement of “ad d’lo yoda” measured by an amount of drinking or by reaching a certain state (with a practical nafka mina)?​

Mourning Practices for Non-Immediate Relatives: 

  • Do relatives (beyond the formal aveilim) have to observe any signs of mourning during the shivah?​ And which restrictions (music, dancing, bathing, haircuts, fresh clothing) remain binding for them nowadays?​
  • Is this extended mourning limited to being in the presence of the actual aveilim or even in another place?​

Wine in the Kiddush Saucer: 

  • Is there any halachic or kabbalistic basis for avoiding drinking the wine that overflows into the saucer under a kos shel bracha?​
  • Does the concern about drinking directly from a bowl extend to wine that was in the bowl but is then poured back into a cup?​

Tevilas Keilim for Storing the Rebbe’s Kos Shel Bracha: 

  • If someone stores special wine (such as kos shel bracha from the Rebbe) in a glass bottle only as a segulah and not for drinking, must that bottle be toiveled?​
  • Theoretically, if the wine of kos shel Eliyahu were disposed of and never used, would that becher require tevilah?​

Signs in Shul Against Talking: 

  • May a sign‑maker produce signs for shul that read “You’re allowed to talk in shul, but only with Hashem,” using a somewhat humorous and sarcastic tone, or is such language not in line with the Torah approach?​

Topics

Rabbi BraunHalacha