Reading Books on Economics on Shabbat
Question
Is it permitted on Shabbat to read a book about financial education and advice for managing the family budget, or is such a book considered mundane material that may not be read on Shabbat?
Answer
Shalom and blessings
The law regarding these books is the same as that of other books of wisdom: according to the basic halachah, it is permitted to read them, but a God-fearing person should be stringent.
Source
Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, siman 307, se’if 17
It is forbidden to study on Shabbat and Yom Tov anything other than words of Torah; and even books of wisdom are forbidden; but there is an opinion that permits it.
Mishnah Berurah, siman 307, se’if katan 65
“But there is an opinion that permits it” — and so the custom is to be lenient. The Eliyah Rabbah wrote that a God-fearing person ought to be stringent in this, since the Rambam and the Ran forbid it.
Comments
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