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From: edelson@mhuxi.UUCP (edelson)
Newsgroups: net.religion.jewish
Subject: Shabbos electricity: clarification wanted
Message-ID: <202@mhuxi.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 12-Sep-84 11:09:03 EDT
Article-I.D.: mhuxi.202
Posted: Wed Sep 12 11:09:03 1984
Date-Received: Fri, 14-Sep-84 20:50:57 EDT
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories, Murray Hill
Lines: 16

Much previous discussion has dealt with the "use" of electricity (as a form
of fire) on Shabbos and the restrictions thereon.
But we see, even in (supposedly) observant households and institutions
(eg hotels) usage of electricity (or power in general) as for example:
A kettle of water is left on a low flame over Shabbos so that one can
       have a cup of tea etc.
Lights are left on automatic timers.
Elevators are set on automatic control so that they go continuously
         from floor to floor.
You dont turn your furnace off in the middle of winter, but let the 
       automatic thermostat do its job.
So what is the distinction between performing the conscious act of
initiating the use of power, or using power which is there from before
Shabbos or which has been turned on by some mechanical device or even a
Shabbos goi?
   How about some discussion on this?