BROOKLYN WEATHER

Beyond Tecghnology: Rav Tzvi Ortner and the Kosher Appliance Revolution

Beyond Tecghnology: Rav Tzvi Ortner and the Kosher Appliance Revolution

Technology has changed the world, and made our lives more convenient. But, like most modern innovations, acclimating to these gadgets and technologies that are meant to make our lives easier… may actually not be so easy—especially with regard to the halachic standpoint.

 From the beginning of the introduction of refrigerators, there has been a great controversy about the permissibility of its use on Shabbos on Yom Tov, since opening and closing it leads—indirectly—to the compressor being turned on. Our community has largely relied upon the more lenient opinions that these machines are permitted to be used.

 However, with the advent of digital and computer technology in refrigerators in recent years, things have gotten a lot more complex—and almost in no way similar to the issues that were prevalent in the older appliances. Since these appliances use digital technology, one opening the refrigerator automatically activates the computer every time it is opened.

 But one Boro Park Rov with years of expertise, and field experience, has been working for years to present solutions for the Shabbos and Yom Tov observant consumer. Rabbi Tzvi Ortner, Rov of Linas Hatzedek Shul in Boro Park, and OU’s director of halacha and technology, is working with appliance dealers and people at the highest levels at GE appliance company toward this end.

 Rabbi Ortner spoke with BoroPark24.com about his journey in technology and halachah, and the frontiers current and future and his passion for bringing this to the fore.

 Rav Ortner—who is the son in law of ybl”ch, Rav Shlomo Gross, zt”l, the senior Dayan of the Belzer community— shares that he was exposed to p’sak from the youngest age; his father, Rav Nosson Ortner, shlit”a, has been the rov of Lod for close to fifty years, and has served as a widely-renowned posek for as long.

 “I had always had an affinity for the technological side of things, so when I would learn halacha, I would immediately think about the implications on technology,” he recalls.

 “People need to understand that the shei’los inherent in the use of technology—especially as it becomes more sophisticated—are extremely complex, and without evolving and innovating, people are in danger of transgressing the kedushah of shabbos and Yom Tov with every single use, R”l!” He cites just one example: “The GE Shabbos mode oven authorized by the Star-K, is only permitted to be opened one time throughout Shabbos—even according to Star-K’s more lenient ruling! How many people know that?”

 The journey toward finding meaningful, halachically-acceptable solutions began when Michael Gross of A.J. Madison appliances approached Rabbi Ortner. “There was a lot of trial and error, a lot of learning, and innovations for smaller appliances that came about on the way… but paydirt was hit with the introduction to General Electric Appliances. And the rest is history.

 Rabbi Ortner has gained the confidence of the entire team of engineers at GEA, with whom he works to ensure that each new oven and refrigerator that comes out—and there are newer models coming constantly—will be acceptable to the Kosher consumer.

 Thus, in addition to answering technology Shei’los for the Orthodox Union, and running the burgeoning Linas Hatzedek Shul, Rabbi Tzvi Ortner stands at the cutting edge of the intersection of halacha and technology, all from his corner of Boro Park.

 “Beyond the…” is a look behind the sites, sounds, and personalities of our Boro Park Shtetl, a special project of BoroPark24. Comments and suggestions may be emailed to  [email protected]


Living Legacy: Rav Mordechai Sholom Yosef Friedman, Knesses Mordechai of Sadiger, zt”l
  • Apr 11 2021
  • |
  • 5:16 AM

BDE: Mrs. Chana Sarah Frankfurter A"H
  • Apr 10 2021
  • |
  • 5:41 PM

Be in the know

receive BoroPark24’s news & updates on whatsapp

 Start Now