[Avodah] Photogrey Glasses On Shabbos

[Prof. L. Levine]

From

https://ohr.edu/this_week/insights_into_halacha/5052

A story is told about Rebbetzin Leah Auerbach a”h, wife of Rav Ezriel Auerbach shlit”a, whose doctor (ophthalmologist, perhaps) prescribed photogrey glasses for her[1]<https://ohr.edu/5052#_edn1>. These are glasses with photochromatic lenses, which darken when exposed to direct sunlight, and become transparent when removed from the sunlight. The doctor, attuned to religious sensitivities, explained to her that some authorities feel that one should refrain from wearing them on Shabbos, while others maintain that they are acceptable for Shabbos use. He instructed her to ask her rabbi for a final halachic decision.


But to understand the halachic issues involved, a bit of background is needed. Photochromatic lenses contain millions of molecules of silver chloride or silver halide embedded in them. These molecules are transparent to visible light in the absence of ultraviolet rays, which is normal for artificial lighting. But, when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays, as in direct sunlight, the molecules undergo a chemical process that causes them to change shape and absorb portions of the visible light, causing the lenses to darken.


The potential issue with wearing such lenses on Shabbos is that of “Tzoveya”, Dyeing, one of the 39 Sabbath-prohibited categories of “creative labor” (melachos). It must be noted that our potential issue with photogrey glasses cannot be considered part of the actual Biblical prohibition, as that is exclusive to a type of dyeing that leaves a lasting effect (miskayeim).  Rather, it’s a potential Rabbinical prohibition of temporary coloration, arguably similar to makeup application, which falls under this prohibition.


See the above URL for much more on this topic.


Professor Yitzchok Levine




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