A new Android app is being created to allow observant Jews to use their smartphone during Shabbat without breaking Jewish law.

Since Orthodox Jews cannot use electricity over Shabbat, the app keeps the phone turned on the whole time, letting the user avoid the on/off switch.  It also features a keyboard with pre-written words, so that the user does not have to worry about typing out words, which would break the rules. 

The app’s website attempts to explain what it calls misconceptions about the laws of Shabbat, from the issues of the touchscreen and the prohibition against creating fires, to the idea of building and finalizing a product on Shabbat.

For example, the app website claims its keypad — which uses a selection of 120 complete words (users may also input 30 custom words for use in the app) instead of individual letters — does not constitute writing on Shabbat, as it is defined by Jewish law. The app makers state Jewish law forbids creating a word, not taking existing words to form a sentence.

The app is controversial in the Orthodox community. Some rabbis and members of the community believe that the app violates the spirit of Jewish law, and that circumventing it in order to send texts on Shabbat is wrong. 

“On the apps page it talks about how there are no laws being broken, laws that would prohibit the use of the app,” said Sammy Chervitz, a junior at Yeshivat Kadimah High School and an Orthodox Jew who observes Shabbat. “There have been many technological innovations that the Torah never speaks of because the stuff is newer and had not been invented when the Torah was written, like cars and light switches.”

“The problem with this app is that even though they claim they might not be breaking any rules, Judaism has kept up with the times and still prohibits many things that we would do on the weekday,” Sammy said.

But regardless of its explanations, some question whether the app defeats the purpose of Shabbat, to put work aside and spend time praying and being with family.  

Some Orthodox Jews find the app’s “loopholes” offensive.  The app walks a fine line between trying assist observant, tech-savvy Jews and insulting their whole customer base.

“As an Orthodox Jew, the entire site seems like a mockery and a slap in the face to the Orthodox sect of Judaism,” Sammy said. “The so-called Orthodox Jews who created the app, at least from my perspective, are trying to tear apart what is left of this ever-shrinking sect of Judaism.”

The app has not been marketed yet, but its purpose is still creating a buzz. Orthodox Jews are divided in their opinions if the app is wrong. Only time will tell if the app will become widely used by teens wanting to use their smartphones guilt-free or be eliminated by people who think it violates the laws of Shabbat. 

Readers can decide for themselves by visiting the app’s website: www.shabbosapp.com.