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Path: utzoo!utcsrgv!dave
From: dave@utcsrgv.UUCP (Dave Sherman)
Newsgroups: net.religion.jewish
Subject: Re: Shabbos electricity: clarification wanted
Message-ID: <5173@utcsrgv.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 18-Sep-84 01:25:36 EDT
Article-I.D.: utcsrgv.5173
Posted: Tue Sep 18 01:25:36 1984
Date-Received: Tue, 18-Sep-84 09:25:21 EDT
References: <202@mhuxi.UUCP>
Reply-To: dave@utcsrgv.UUCP (& Sherman)
Organization: The Law Society of Upper Canada, Toronto
Lines: 43

In article <202@mhuxi.UUCP> edelson@mhuxi.UUCP (edelson) writes:
~| 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?

To understand the distinction, it helps to recognize what it is
that is prohibited on Shabbos: acts of "melachah", commonly translated
as "work" but perhaps better rendered as "accomplishment".

The concept of rest on Shabbos has never entailed refraining from
enjoying the benefits of melachah done during the week. Quite the
contrary. For example, one works all week to earn money to buy nice
food for Shabbos. Similarly, one lights candles on Friday before sundown,
and those candles will burn during Shabbos.

It follows that it is quite acceptable to perform melachah during
the week and enjoy its fruits on Shabbos. Thus, we have a timer in
our house which turns on and off the living room lights. I set it
on Friday before Shabbos, and on Shabbos it operates by itself.

To answer the question posed, the distinction is really the fundamental
definition of what is prohibited on Shabbos: *acts* of melachah. If you
do not perform the act on Shabbos, the act cannot be a violation of the
Shabbos (by definition). There is nothing wrong with using electricity
which was "lit" before Shabbos, any more than there is anything wrong
with eating food which was bought before Shabbos.

Dave Sherman
Toronto
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