Why the Use of Electricity is Prohibited or Discouraged | Leniencies that May Apply
Within Jewish culture, Shabbat takes a central role, serving as a day of rest while commemorating the Exodus and creating community and connection. Because of it’s emphasis on spiritual sanctity and rejuvenation, Shabbat has strict rules that focus on refraining from certain activities, including purchasing goods, cooking, driving, writing and the use of electronic devices.
Why Is the Use of Electricity Not Permitted on Shabbat?
Under Jewish law, there are 39 categories of creative activities (known as Melakhot) that are not allowed during Shabbat. The use of electricity is commonly believed to violate at least two of those prohibitions:
- The kindling of a fire—Exodus 35:3 expressly states that “you shall kindle no fire in all your dwelling places on the Sabbath day.” Because electricity typically involves creating heat or sparks, it is commonly considered to be a violation of this rule, specifically with respect to many lamps.
- The completion of a circuit—Because the use of electricity converts a dormant appliance into a working appliance, it is considered building something or creating a new entity. Scholars say that the Talmud specifically links the command to rest on Shabbat with the construction of the Tabernacle. Accordingly, any activity associated with the construction of the Tabernacle may not be engaged in on Shabbat.
It’s important to understand, though, that certain types of activities that may involve electricity may also be prohibited for other reasons:
- Use of a computer, cell phone or tablet can be seen as a violation of the Melakhot against writing on the Sabbath
- Using an electric stove is not allowed, as the cooking of any food is forbidden
- Because of the prohibition against reaping in the Melakhot, the use of any electric device to cut grass, trim bushes or otherwise prune or harvest is not allowed
Are There Exceptions to the Rules?
Though the Melakhot is generally strictly enforced, there are circumstances where a banned activity may be allowed or not considered as serious:
- If a person must violate the laws governing actions on Shabbat to save another person’s life, doing so is not only permitted, but generally required. For example, if a person is seriously ill, the prohibition against driving on Shabbat may be broken to save the person’s life.
- If a person engages in a permitted activity that unintentionally or indirectly results in a violation of the laws of Shabbat, the violation is not deemed as serious and may be entirely permitted, if other factors support leniency.
- If the activity is performed for a reason other than its commonly perceived primary purpose, the violation may not be as grave.
Creative Ways that Jewish People Have Avoided Violating the Ban on Electricity on Shabbat
Over time, Jewish people have found a number of ways to obtain the benefits of electricity without violating the ban on its use:
- The most common way involves the use of timers that automatic turn electrical appliances on and off, so that observers do not engage in any activity that may be banned. Examples include clocks, lights and other small appliances
- Lamps that remain on for the entirety of Shabbat, but have a rotating shade that allows a room to be darkened for sleep
- “Shabbat elevators,” which automatically stop at every floor, so that passengers do not have to take any actions to engage electrical components
Deactivation of light switches in appliances during Shabbat, often by taping them down.
Gutterman’s and Gutterman Warheit—Comprehensive Funeral and Burial Services for More than 130 Years
At Gutterman’s and Gutterman Warheit, with funeral chapels in New York and Florida, we have helped individuals and families in the Jewish community with all matters related to funerals and burials for more than six generations. We are familiar with the distinct practices within each Jewish tradition and can assist with all your needs and concerns, whether it’s the structure of the memorial or the choice of a casket, monument or marker to the details of sitting Shiva or the preparation of a Yahrzeit calendar. We will also work directly with the Chevra Kadisha to ensure compliance with Jewish law in the preparation of the body.
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