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...
May a Person Have a Vending Machine Operate on Shabbat?
Is It Permissible to Waive a Debt on Shabbat?
Giving Gifts on Shabbat
The Prohibition of Eating a Large Meal on Ereb Shabbat
Applying a Fragrant Spray to Clothing on Shabbat and Yom Tob
Is it Permissible to Open a Clogged Drain on Shabbat?
Is it Permissible to Shower on Shabbat?
Is it Permissible on Shabbat to Lie in a Hammock Tied to a Tree?
Asking a Non-Jew On Shabbat to Open a Refrigerator or Car Door
May One Ask a Non-Jew on Shabbat to Open a Hotel Room Door With a Magnetic Card?
Asking a Gentile to Activate or Deactivate an Air Conditioner on Shabbat
Hinting to a Gentile to Perform Melacha on Shabbat
Asking a Gentile to Turn off One's Car Lights on Shabbat; Asking a Gentile to Shovel Snow on Shabbat
Moving Snow and Making Snowballs and Snowmen on Shabbat
May One Talk About Mundane Matters on Shabbat?
Page of 239
3585 Halachot found