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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