Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!bonnie!akgua!sdcsvax!dcdwest!ittvax!wxlvax!mls From: mls@wxlvax.UUCP (Michael Schneider) Newsgroups: net.religion.jewish Subject: Re: Shabbat electricity (what is work?) Message-ID: <348@wxlvax.UUCP> Date: Mon, 15-Oct-84 11:07:49 EDT Article-I.D.: wxlvax.348 Posted: Mon Oct 15 11:07:49 1984 Date-Received: Wed, 17-Oct-84 04:55:10 EDT References: brl-tgr.5198 Lines: 26 In the first case, the use of a sensor, we are looking at a class of work that involves a direct action. If such a device were used, then the action of walking into a room would *always* turn the light on *at once*. This is not permitted. Why? First the action of turning on the light is not permitted. Let us assume that setting off a sensor were permitted (and I don't know if it is). Then second, we are performing a permitted act. However, directly related to the performance of a permitted act is a forbidden action. This is the same as washing ones hands in a Sukkah, the washing of the hands is permitted, but the spilling of water on the grass is not since watering plants is forbidden. Thus, either one does not wash ones hands in the Sukkah, or one is VERY carefull. If these cases are the similar, I would assume that the use of a sensor is not permitted. In fact, I discussed such a device with a Rabbi, and he said it was not permitted (no reason was given at the time). The second case, the use of a sensor in a refrigerator, is different. The opening of a door causes warm air into the refrigerator, but the starting of the compressor imay be delayed. In fact, it may start without the door being opened. Thus, there is the question of the second action taking place at once. Note, however, that the use of a light inside the refrigerator is not permitted since it is directly related to the action od opening the door and happens at once. M.L. Schneider