Question of the Week, July 7, 2013:
Hi, I have a question regarding Torah smartphone apps. I have two Tanach applications on my iPad . One is far more useful to me than the other. Can I delete the one I use less, given that it contains Hashem's name? Where is geniza in the virtual world?
Answer:
Shalom,
Thank you for your interesting question. You are correct in thinking that one needs to be careful when disposing of texts with G-d's name in them. However, the overwhelming consensus of the rabbis is that digital encoding – which is what your Tanach application is stored in – may be deleted. This is because in its digital form , the text is not readable to the eye, and as such, is not considered "writing".
A better question would be if you can move the screen if G-d's name is on it – would this be considered as erasing G-d's name in a format that is readable? Bottom line is that this too is allowed.
May you merit to learn Torah, even via your "iTanach" (not on Shabbat) in good health and holiness.
– Rav Sperling
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שיעורים נוספים ניתן למצוא בקטגוריות הבאות: הלכה| תאריך העלאה: | כ״ב באב ה׳תשע״ג |
| 29/07/13 |
