Haredi Journalist Slams "Shameful" Practice of Filming Prayers

Haredi journalist Aryeh Erlich has strongly criticized the practice of filming prayers during Jewish holidays and Shabbat, particularly the use of non-Jewish individuals to operate cameras to circumvent prohibitions on filming during these holy times. Erlich described the phenomenon, which he says is prevalent during Rosh Hashanah, as a severe violation of the sanctity of these days.

In a pointed social media post, Erlich stated, "There is no more shameful and desecrating phenomenon of Shabbat and holiday honor than the phenomenon of 'filmed by a gentile.'" He elaborated that individuals praying fervently on the Day of Judgment know they are being filmed for distribution after the holiday, calling it a participation in the "desecration of the holy day" and urging those involved not to be "hypocrites."

Erlich also accused elements within the Haredi media of collaborating with this practice, serving "celebrities and producers who think they can gain prestige and recognition this way." He labeled this collaboration as a "severe moral and ethical bankruptcy," asserting that such actions earn "great contempt for trampling Jewish sentiment towards Shabbat and the holiday."

He called for an internal review within the Haredi community regarding the preservation of the character of holidays and Shabbat. "I know I am stepping on a sore spot, but where there is desecration of God's name and contempt for the Day of Judgment, one does not show respect to anyone," Erlich wrote. He questioned the decline of public spaces within the Haredi sector to such a "shallow place" and the disappearance of Jewish sentiment, asking, "On what right do we speak to secular people about Shabbat honor while among us Shabbat honor is being lost?! If Netanyahu were to be interviewed on Shabbat, you would create a coalition crisis. Take a look inside your own house for a moment."