An advertisement on your web site touts a lamp that you can turn on and off on Shabbos "because all you have to do is turn the lampshade." Why would this be any different from turning a switch? Either this item is not "kosher" or I am missing some subtle point. (Same with a light that you "clap on" and off. You are still controling it, no?)
Posts: 121 | Location: upstate New York | Registered: January 07, 2005
I have seen those lights advertised before, too. They are called Shabbos lamps. The reason it is o.k. to use them on Shabbos is because the lightbulb is turned on before Shabbos and all you have to do is turn the outside of the lamp to adjust the light because there is a hole where the light shines through, so when you turn it you can either cover the hole (off or uncover the hole(on). Since the lightbulb is already lit before Shabbos it is kosher. Whereas it is not kosher to turn on and off a regular lamp during Shabbos because that is like kindling a fire. It is the initial ignition of the electricity when you turn on a regular lamp on Shabbos that is not Kosher, so a clap on and off lamp is not kosher either. Also, the turning off of the regular lamp is not kosher on Shabbos because that is like putting out a fire. That is the only way I know how to describe it. I hope I'm right. I don't know, maybe it is ok to turn on and off the lights on shabbos if they are on a timer or something? I think someone else is going to have to answer this question too.
And here I am writing on a computer on Shabbos, which I don't think is Kosher either. At least I remembered.
Posts: 357 | Location: usa | Registered: August 04, 2004
In essence, a kosher lamp is a regular lamp that is turned on before Shabbat and not turned off until after Shabbat, with the benefit of the shade. Using the shade to manipulate the light is kosher.
Posts: 357 | Location: usa | Registered: August 04, 2004
To try to clarify what I believe Raybin is saying, the Shabbos lamp works by preventing the light from escaping the box. In essence, it's like receiving light from the adjacent room and closing the door when you wan to go to sleep. This doesn't affect the electricty in any way, so there isn't an issur. The kuntz with the invention of the box was to figure out a way to make sure the light doesn't escape the box while in the same time preventing a fire from occurring. Here is their website for more information: Kosher Lamp
My only question concerning it is an aspect of muktza. According to my understanding, one may not move a lamp on Shabbos. Why then would this be different being that you may come to move the lamp while turning the cover? Of course, I might be wrong.
Quote "According to my understanding, one may not move a lamp on Shabbos." This seems to be a Machlokes whether a lamp (and especially florescent, which doesn't have a burning filament) is Muktzah like a flame, or not, like a utensil that's main use is forbidden, and could be moved if you need to use it or you need the place.
Quote "Why then would this be different being that you may come to move the lamp while turning the cover?" The cover is not connected, but is placed in side the lamp piece. Since it's a separate utensil, so you can move it even though you can't move the lamp.
I recently got the lamp and really enjoy using it! Now my children are asking for one for their bedrooms. (I think that would encourage them to read all night instead of sleeping .)
Posts: 20 | Location: US | Registered: July 26, 2004
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Magedman: According to my understanding, one may not move a lamp on Shabbos. Why then would this be different being that you may come to move the lamp while turning the cover? [END QUOTE]
The lamp cannot be clamped onto a supporting surface and appears easy to knock over or move unintentionally. If conforming to the laws of muktza is important to you then perhaps the lamp could be glued to a heavy base which would reduce the possibility of movement.
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