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Yichud with Video Camera

Does a camera taking live video take away the problem of yichud? (if someone is watching it on the TV on the other side.) Who speaks about this shailo?

Answer:

It will surely take away the problem of yichud, and this is no different from leaving an open window.

I saw this written in Divrei Yisrael (Rav Yisrael Reisman), but he didn’t cite from any known authorities.

However, I think the matter is fairly simple.

Even if there is nobody watching, but the camera is recording, there is room to permit yichud, because of the fear of being caught on camera, though this heiter is more far-reaching, and requires more investigation.

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2 Comments

  1. Really it should be so simple then by chalav akum/chalav yisrael to allow a camera ?

    1. Yes, and, indeed, this is quite simple, and I don’t see why there is any question. Rav Elyashiv is also cited by Rav Shmuel Elazar Stern as stating that it is simple that this helps. This is also the opinion of Rav Mordechai Gross. Rav Stern cites from Rav Wosner that his “daas is not no’ach” from relying on video alone. This is perhaps because Chazal mention somebody being “omed al gabav,” and it is better to stick to the simple interpretation of the lashon. In a halachic sense, however, I really don’t see any room for doubt in this matter, or in the matter of yichud, and certainly when the people know that the video is actually being watched. [For milking, see here .

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