If this week’s MefarshAI looks a little different, that is because I have the honor of introducing you to our spring intern, Eitan Janus, who led the ideation, research, development, and writing of this issue. Eitan just graduated from Berman Hebrew Academy in Silver Spring, MD, and has been busy interning with me (Gently Ventures), focused on AI fundamentals, AI+Torah concepts, and beyond.
In light of our discussion this week around some of the great Shabbat technology innovations in Israel (some of which make their way stateside), I asked Eitan to write this week’s MefarshAI post.
Hopefully, this and other AI activities have inspired him (and you) to pursue more Torah + AI learning and exploration.
—Dave
Shalom friends,
It’s not just a halachic exploration—it's a vision for a product we believe could change how Jewish Shabbat-observant households manage their kitchens on Shabbat.
It all started with an observation. I kept seeing more and more Shabbat-certified technology: ovens, fridges, lights, even hotel door locks. And it made me ask: how does this technology work halachically? What mechanism allows these modern tools to honor the restrictions of melacha on Shabbat?
I dug into the halachic principles—grama (indirect causation), automation, psik reisha avoidance—and learned about the brilliant work done by Zomet, STAR-K, and poskim like Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach zt”l. From there, I wanted to think not just about what’s already out there, but what could be. What are real or percieved pain points in the Shabbos kitchen that we tend to accept because “that’s just how it is”?
🍽️ Introducing:
The ShabbosPrep Garbage Disposal System
This product doesn’t exist—yet. But it could. Here’s how:
🛠️ What It Is
A kitchen sink garbage disposal unit designed to be used on Shabbat without any direct user interaction or halachic violations. It uses halachically certified automation and grama-based systems to safely and indirectly handle sink waste over the course of Shabbat.
✅ Key Features:
Timed activation every 4–6 hours (customizable before Shabbat)
Randomized start delay within each activation window to avoid psik reisha
Passive motion detection that cancels operation if movement is sensed near the drain
Mechanical drain cover that must be secured pre-Shabbat (child-safe and lock-enabled)
Shabbat Mode lock to prevent any manual override
📱 Optional Setup App (used only before or after Shabbat)
Choose interval settings
Turn child lock or motion override on/off
Verify all safety systems are set
🧰 Installation Options
Option A: The Full Replacement Unit ($350–$500) is installed like any new garbage disposal unit with help from a plumber. It includes built-in safety functionality and halachic logic.
Option B: The Retrofit Kit ($120–$200, if compatible) plugs into your existing disposal outlet. It includes a certified timer, drain sensor, and magnetic interlock.
All versions of this product would have halachic certification(s) from recognized organizations like Zomet or STAR-K.
💡 Why This Product Matters
Keeps your sink clean and odor-free during Shabbat and Yom Tov
Reduces post-Shabbat kitchen overwhelm
Promotes kavod Shabbat by reducing stress and maximizing ease—without compromising halacha
Would you use this in your kitchen? Would you preorder a prototype?
If enough people show interest, maybe this vision could become a reality.
Shabbat Shalom,
Eitan
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