Q. Shalom U'Bracha, What is the halahcha for using an ereader (Nook or kindle) to read seforim? I have heard some people say it may be a problem because it is written with "e-ink." (in regards to Mechikas shaim Hashem) Thanks in advance.
A. Most Poiskim rule that Hashem's name written on a LED or CRT screen can be erased and they have no sanctity as the pixels which make up the letters on a computer screen are being refreshed many times a second and are considered to be more virtual than real. However some Poskim are stringent, please see answer 383 in this forum.
Electronic-Readers such as Barnes and Noble's Nook and Amazon Kindle that use electrophoresis ink technology, differ from customary electronic displays in that the image on an E Ink screen will be retained even when all power sources are removed. Many electronic paper technologies can hold static text and images indefinitely without using electricity. These devices are becoming popular because of the better readability of their screens, especially in bright sunlight, and longer battery life.
Electronic ink is made up of millions of tiny microcapsules, about the diameter of a human hair. Each microcapsule contains positively charged white particles and negatively charged black particles suspended in a clear fluid. A network of electrodes is connected to display circuitry, which turns the electronic ink 'on' and 'off' at specific pixels by applying a voltage to specific pairs of electrodes. Applying a negative charge to the surface electrode repels the particles to the bottom of local capsules, forcing the black dye to the surface and giving the pixel a black appearance. Reversing the voltage has the opposite effect - the particles are forced to the surface, giving the pixel a white appearance. However there is no connection or adhesion between the microcapsules themselves, as opposed to ordinary ink.
You can now acquire an e-reader Sidur, a complete Sefer Torah or a large Torah library, all without having the downside of being connected constantly to the Internet.
In regards to erasing Hashem's name, Rambam (Yesodei HaTorah 6) notes "One who erases one of Hashem's holy names transgresses a negative commandment as the verse states regarding idol worship, 'And you shall eradicate their name from that place; you shall not do so to Hashem your G-d.' Tur and Shulchan Aruch (Y.D. 276: 9) rule accordingly. However there are diverging opinions if Hashem's names that were written or printed without the intention of becoming holy are included in this prohibition or are only forbidden rabbinicaly (Tashbatz 1: 177, Chidushei Chasam Sofer - Shovuos 35, Igrois Moishe Y.D. 1: 172, Shach Y.D. 276; 12, permits erasing when needed for fixing a Sefer Torah).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit"a opinion is that since the names of Hashem were not written (by the user of the reader) with any intention of kedusha, as is the case of most s'forim including the Talmud, where the vast number of references to Hashem are on a rational or informative level, the names are also not explicit and adding that this is after all, an unconventional type of writing, therefore they can be erased.
However, in sidurim and chumoshim on a e-reader, where the Hebrew names of Hashem are usually explicit and since the user is aware of their presence when he writes them on the screen and the names are of avoda and spiritual- service nature, it is preferable not to erase them, even though other contemporary Poskim are lenient.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a
Important Numbers
