Security Camera for a Foreign Worker
Question
Regarding a foreign worker.
We intend to install security cameras in the house, both in order to monitor his behavior with our father and also to solve the problem of “meat that was out of sight.”
Is it permissible, and how, to use them on Shabbat as well? (As I understand it, regarding meat that was out of sight, it may be permitted even if the camera is disabled on Shabbat, since ultimately the non-Jew does not know this, and he remains in the category of being “deterred.”)
Answer
Shalom u’vrachah
A camera is effective in solving the problem of “meat that was out of sight,” provided that the worker knows that there is a camera that sees his actions.
One may be lenient and operate the camera on Shabbat as well.
In a case where the non-Jew thinks that the camera is operating, it is effective even when it is not operating. [However, this should not be done on a regular basis, because over time he will see that his actions on Shabbat are not being watched].
