DailyHalacha.com for Mobile Devices Now Available

Click Here to Sponsor Daily Halacha
"Delivered to Over 6000 Registered Recipients Each Day"

      
(File size: 932 KB)
Instructing a Non-Jew During Twilight

The Halacha prohibits instructing a non-Jew on Shabbat to perform a Melacha forbidden from the Torah, even for the purpose of a Misva. Therefore, one may not tell a non-Jew to turn on the lights to learn Torah on Shabbat. However, the exception to this rule is telling the non-Jew during Ben HaShmashot (twilight-defined as the 13.5 minutes after sunset).

For example, if the Shabbat hot plate was not plugged in, a non-Jew may be utilized during that period of time, even though the woman has already lit candles and accepted Shabbat. During Ben HaShmashot, any Melacha, even If prohibited by Torah law, may be performed by the non-Jew for the sake of a Misva.

This principle applies to the twilight at the end of Shabbat, as well. For example, if sunset is at 6 PM and Shabbat concludes 42 minutes later, at 6:42 PM, and the lights went out in the synagogue during that period, a non-Jew may be called to turn them on, since it is for the sake of a Misva.

SUMMARY
During Ben HaShmashot of Ereb Shabbat or Mosa'eh Shabbat, any Melacha, even If prohibited by Torah law, may be performed by a non-Jew for the sake of a Misva.


 


Recent Daily Halachot...
The Prohibitions of Misleading or Insulting Another Person
Is it Permissible to Study Secular Philosophy?
When is it Appropriate or Inappropriate to Report Bad Tidings?
Is It Permissible To Wear A Wool Tzitzit Under A Linen Shirt or Is It A Violation of Shatnez
Announcing a Fast Day in the Synagogue on the Preceding Shabbat
Barech Alienu for Travelers to and From Israel
Traveling on Ereb Shabbat
Maintaining Peace in One’s Financial Dealings
Birkat Ha'gomel: The Meaning of the Words, and Whether a Child Recites the Beracha
Reciting Tefilat Ha’derech
Hanukah – If One Does Not Have Enough Oil For All the Candles
Hanukah – Lighting a Menorah That Has a “Back”
Is Birkat Ha’gomel Required After Taking a Cruise on the Kinneret?
Synagogue Decorum and The Prohibition Against Speaking During Torah Reading – In the Wake of the Har Nof Tragedy
The Status of Pasteurized Wine
Page of 239
3585 Halachot found