Daily Halacha Tuesaday 5th Kisleiv: Kosher Novels – A Halachic Guide to Novels & Permitted versus Forbidden Literature

Kosher Novels – A Halachic Guide to Novels & Permitted versus Forbidden Literature:[1]

1. Background:

Contemporary literature offers a vast array of genres, but many popular novels today contain themes that pose significant spiritual and ethical challenges. Romance stories, in particular, often emphasize physical desire and emotional entanglements, describing behaviors that conflict with Torah values. Beyond this, they frequently include erotic and overly detailed descriptions that can trigger forbidden thoughts, making them especially problematic. Thrillers and dramas often glorify violence, revenge, and moral ambiguity, while fantasy and science fiction sometimes promote ideas that undermine faith, such as occult practices or atheistic worldviews. Even seemingly harmless “slice-of-life” novels can foster a culture of frivolity, gossip, and escapism, drawing readers away from purposeful living. These narratives may do more than simply entertain—they may shape attitudes, influence priorities, and subtly erode sensitivity to holiness. This article will examine the Halachic prohibitions pertaining to the reading of literature based on all the above concerns.

1. The law:

Romance novels and novels with sexual content:[2] It is prohibited to read novels that incite sexual arousal or desire, leading one to entertain forbidden thoughts or improper interactions with the opposite gender. It is likewise forbidden to publish or distribute such novels, and one who does so is liable for causing the public to sin. [Thus, it is forbidden to read romance novels even if they do not contain any overly descriptive erotic content, as the theme itself can lead one to entertain forbidden thoughts with the opposite gender. It goes without saying that novels which contain overly erotic content within their storyline are forbidden to be read, as doing so directly stimulates sexual desire and can lead a man to spillage of seed.[3] This prohibition applies even if the novel surrounds the relationship of a husband and wife within the form of marriage if it leads to forbidden thoughts due to its romantic theme, and certainly if it goes into overly descriptive erotic content of the couple.[4] However, relationship novels that do not contain erotic content and rather focus on the garnering of healthy relationships between husband and wife are not forbidden to be read. These stories center on love, trust, and the building of strong family bonds, portraying marriage as a partnership rooted in faith and mutual support rather than erotic detail.]

• How to verify a book’s content before purchasing: Before buying a book, it is important to check the content to ensure it does not contain any Halachically problematic content of sexual nature. To tell if a novel contains sexual content before buying, you can check the publisher’s description for age ratings or mentions of mature themes. When reviewing the description, pay attention to terms such as “romance,” “adult themes,” or “mature audiences.” These phrases typically indicate that the book may contain material that is not suitable for all readers. Romance novels almost always include sexual themes, though the level of detail varies (from “clean romance” with no explicit scenes to “erotica” with graphic detail). Literary fiction may include sexual content depending on the themes. YA[5] often has sexual themes but usually less explicit. Middle-grade and children’s books rarely include sexual content. Identifying these signals in advance helps to make informed and conscientious choices regarding Kosher literature selection.

Moshav Leitzim Novels – Novels without any productive content:[6] Novels that do not contain any productive content and are in essence a waste of time, fall under the prohibition of Moshav Leitzim which prohibits one from establishing himself within a group of scoffers, and are hence forbidden to be read.[7] Such literature includes history books of wars (and the history of gentile kings) and parables and metaphors regarding mundane talk, such as the book Emanuel. It goes without saying that reading romantic novels falls under this prohibition as well. However, those novels which bring out ethics and fear of heaven, such as the book of Josephus and the like, are permitted to be read. [Furthermore, some Poskim[8] rule that Hebrew novels which do not contain any prohibited content are permitted to be read even if they contain unproductive content and are read simply for leisure and entertainment. Practically, even regarding English-language novels seemingly, the prohibition in reading them only applies to a person who is able to study Torah or use his time more wisely, however, one who reads the novel for therapeutic purposes, such as to wind down after a long day and clear his mind of the various daily stresses, then since the reading has a purpose it may be done even if the book itself is mere entertainment.[9]]  

Novels that contain Christian themes or themes of other religions, and Heretical beliefs:[10] It is a biblical prohibition for one to partake in the study of a foreign religion or Heretical beliefs[11] and hence in the event that a novel contains Christian themes, or themes of another religion, or heretical beliefs, reading such a novel may be prohibited depending on how deep it goes into the practices of the other faith.

Novels that contain Violence and crime: While we do not find an explicit prohibition against reading novels that contain themes of violence and criminality nonetheless, certainly from a philosophical standpoint, reading such novels is generally discouraged, as it may contribute to the desensitization toward these behaviors or potentially encourage their imitation.

Hebrew Language literature: The aforementioned prohibition and restriction are applicable to books written in any language. Therefore, it is forbidden to read Hebrew-language books that contain any of the prohibited content described above.[12]  [However, some Poskim[13] argue on the above and rule that Hebrew novels which do not contain any prohibited content are permitted to be read even if they contain unproductive content and are read simply for leisure and entertainment.]  

Silent Reading Versus Verbal Reading:[14] The prohibition and restriction outlined above are applicable regardless of whether the individual reads the book silently in his mind or articulates the words aloud.

Women versus men: The aforementioned prohibition and restriction against romance novels, or novels that contain sexual content, applies equally to men and women, as it is prohibited for both men and women to stimulate sexual desire and entertain forbidden thoughts concerning the opposite gender.[15] [However, regarding novels that are clean of romance and any erotic scenes but also do not have any useful content, one can argue that while for men reading such content falls under the Moshav Leitzim prohibition, perhaps for women it is permitted to be read as they are not obligated in the mitzvah of constantly studying Torah.[16]]

Kosher Novels – A Halachic Guide to Permitted vs. Forbidden Literature

[1] See Admur 307:30; Michaber 307:16; Shabbos 149a; Tosafus Shabbos 116b; Rosh Shabbos 23:1 in name of Rabbeinu Yonah

[2] Admur 307:30 “Regarding books of romance there is an additional prohibition even if they are written in Hebrew, as one entices the evil inclination on himself, and those which compiled it and those which copied them, and it goes without saying those which published them are included within those which cause the public to sin.”; Michaber 307:16; Taz 307:13; Tosafus Shabbos 116b; Rosh Shabbos 23:1 in name of Rabbeinu Yonah

[3] See Michaber E.H. 23:3; Kesubos 46a; Avoda Zara 20b; Based on verse in Devarim 23:10; Tanya Chapter 11 and Chapter 27; The sages state that one who arouses himself to have an erection willingly, is put into excommunication. [Michaber Y.D. 334:43 as the 21^st matter which leads to Niduiy; Rav Nidda 13a]

[4] See Tanya Chapter 11 and Chapter 27 and Radbaz 770 that it applies even to a husband thinking of his wife, or any two male and female, even if married

[5] YA stands for Young Adult — it’s a category of literature aimed primarily at readers aged about 12 to 18. YA novels often focus on themes relevant to teenagers, such as identity, friendship, first love, family struggles, and coming-of-age experiences.

[6] Admur 307:30 “Similarly [history] books of wars (and the history of gentile kings) and parables and metaphors regarding mundane talk, such as the book Emanuel, and it goes without saying books of romance are forbidden to be read on Shabbos. Even to read them in one’s mind without verbalization [is forbidden], due to a decree against [coming to read] laymen documents. Furthermore, even during the week it is forbidden to be read [the above books] due to “ Moshav Leitzim/A setting of scoffers”, even if they are written in Hebrew. However, those history books which bring out ethics and fear of heaven, such as the book of Josephus and the like, are permitted to be read even on Shabbos even if they are written in a foreign language [not Hebrew]. (Nevertheless, it is not proper for people to spend much time reading them.)” Michaber 307:16; Tosafus Shabbos 116b; Rosh Shabbos 23:1 in name of Rabbeinu Yonah; See also Admur 156:16 that one must spend his day doing productive activity, otherwise it transgresses the prohibition of Vidibarta Bam;

[7] See Michaber 307:16 that reading Sifrei Milchamos also transgresses “Al Tifnu El Haelilim.” [so writes Tosafos and Rosh on Shabbos 149This matter is omitted by Admur; See Kaf Hachaim 307:116

[8] Rama 307:16

[9] See Tanya Chapter 8 that one who cant learn does not transgress the Issur of Vidibarta Bam by being involved in Devarim Beteilim; See P”M 156 A”A 2; Pesakim Uteshuvos 246:61 footnote 711

[10] See Michaber 307:16 that even regarding Sifrei Milchamos, one who reads it transgresses “Al Tifnu El Haelilim”; See Beis Yisrael 10 of Chofetz Chaim

[11] See Rambam Avoda Zara 2:2; Shabbos 149a; Igros Kodesh Vol. 24:138; Pesakim Uteshuvos 246:22

The source and reason: As the verse states “Lo Sasuru Acharei Levavchem Viachrei Eiyneichem” from which we learn that it is forbidden to entertain thoughts of idolatry.

[12] Admur 307:30; Taz 307:13; Bach 307; Shelah; Kaf Hachaim 308:117

[13] Rama 307:16

[14] Admur ibid

[15] Igros Moshe Even Haezer 1:69; Shevet Halevi 5:197; Divrei Yatziv 5:35; Chut Hashani p. 262; Rav SZ”A, brought in Ohel Yaakov ibid

The source and reason: As the verse states “Lo Sasuru Acharei Levavchem Viachrei Eiyneichem” from which we learn that it is forbidden to entertain thoughts promiscuity, and there is no differentiation between a man and woman in this command. Thus, looking at a man in a way that stimulates forbidden thoughts is Biblically forbidden. [Shevet Halevi ibid; Igros Moshe Even Haezer 1:69]

[16] See Piskeiy Teshuvos 307:23