2006-08-09 08:48:34 · 11 answers · asked by Babs 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
certain jews observe the sabbath (from sundown friday to sundown saturday) by not using electricity (just one example). check out this helpful FAQ, questions to the left:
2006-08-09 08:53:43 · answer #1 · answered by tharedhead ((debajo del ombú)) 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not Jewish but have travelled to Israel on business for several weeks. Very strict orthodox followers of Judaism can't use any mechanical device or equipment on the Sabbath (in my hotel there was a special elevator for Shabat that ran up and down on a regular schedule, stopping at every floor, so that religious people would not have to press the buttons). This is to preserve the holiness of the day by refraining from anything that looks like labor on a day that is supposed to be devoted to religious worship.
In the United States in colonial times this was also very strictly observed by Christians in the New England colonies. No work of any kind, even cooking meals, was permitted after sundown on Saturday. This survived into the 20th century under the name of "blue laws" -- local ordinances prohibiting a number of activities on Sundays and holy days, to include stores being open for business.
2006-08-09 16:00:28 · answer #2 · answered by blueprairie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Orthodox Jews indeed cannot use the Internet on Shabat. This is because Saturday is the day of rest, when Jews aren't supposed to do anything, but pray.
2006-08-09 15:53:04 · answer #3 · answered by Nice man 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is considered work, which Jews must refrain from on the sabbath, which lasts from one hour before sunset on a Friday until one hour after sunset on a Saturday. Observant Jews will not switch lights on and off, will not cook or tear open food packets, will not tear toilet paper, will not carry objects outisde of the home, will not smoke or use the car. All of these things can be considered working. Making fire is forbidden, so electricity is not used. If it was already on before shabbat, you can leave it on, but you can't switch it off, so you can preset the video recorder, and leave your answering machine on, but you can't use the phone, except in an emergency. You have to do all the tearing and food heating you need before shabbat. People have big urns that keep a soup or stew hot so you can eat it through shabbat. The laws regarding shabbat are given in the Torah.
2006-08-09 15:55:40 · answer #4 · answered by big_fat_goth 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
wats shabat
2006-08-09 15:57:56 · answer #5 · answered by damaged* 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because it is considered working. There is no working on the sabbath.
2006-08-09 15:51:26 · answer #6 · answered by ninusharra 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not much of a mate if you can't ask him
2006-08-09 15:52:49 · answer #7 · answered by Bob 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because he's not allowed to have a contact with fire, light and electricity.
2006-08-09 15:53:20 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They cannot do any work on Shabbat.
2006-08-09 15:51:48 · answer #9 · answered by Makemeaspark 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
je must not be a very good friend,otherwise you could ask him.
2006-08-09 15:51:59 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋