They can't use electricity that day or days; not sure. Well, anyway they call us to turn on/off lights, t.v's and open the front door, because it uses an electric key. I'm not racist, but I do hate religion. What I wanted to know was: "isn't this inconsiderate?!" I mean if you have a belief is it right for it to spill into someone elses life? Is this just me?
2007-09-15 07:43:17 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Passover
You have asked a good question. However I don't think you mean Passover in general, unless you're talking about the Shabbat (Sabbath) which occurs during Passover. On Shabbat we're not allowed to do any form of work, which in our laws includes using electricity. **However**, you are also **not** supposed to simply "ask" someone to do it for you! You are not allowed to ask anyone to do work for your specific benefit! This is why elevators in Israeli hotels stop at *every* floor on Shabbat and open the door regardless of whether or not anyone is there--this way, if you're religious and need to take the elevator you're not doing "work" by asking for the door to be open (which uses electricity).
So in your case, what the people really need to do is not ask directly but say something like, "Gee it's really dark in here" in the hopes that you will respond--of your own free will--"Oh, gosh, let me turn on a light for you."
So the answer is--they're not being inconsiderate, they really have no choice since this is the Jewish law.
2007-09-15 08:04:26 · answer #1 · answered by Mark S, JPAA 7 · 7⤊ 0⤋
Some orthodox Jews do not use electricity, tear paper, etc during Shabbos and holidays. Many years ago families used to have what was called the "Shabbos Goy" which was a gentile who came in and turned off and on the lights etc.
Most people do not mind helping but if you do, then tell someone. If you work at the hotel then don't they have the right to ask for help from hotel staff (I hope they tip at the end but would probably not tip right then).
I don't think it is inconsiderate if the people say thank you and tip you at the end of their stay. If they are not nice about it then yes, that is inconsiderate.
Perhaps your hatred of religion is clouding the issue? If it was a disabled person you would probably help and not think anything about it but because it is religion you might feel resentment (which seems natural to me).
I just hope as you are called to assist people with doing these tasks that they say thank you for your help and know if they don't there is at least one Jew out there who thinks that is very rude.
2007-09-16 16:44:42 · answer #2 · answered by Feivel 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
On Jewish holidays, such as Passoverm, it is forbidden to do any type of work. The 7 types of work are outlined in the Bible, and "starting a fire" is one of them. In modern times, this is interpretted as using electricity or ligthing candles. Therefore, the Orthodox Jews will not do either on Passover. Non-Jews who are generous enough to help life continue somewhat normally on these holidays are called "Shabbat/Yom Tov Goys", which means "Non-Jew of Shabbat/Holidays". Of course, you are not under any obligation to help, except that you do work at a hotel where your job is to cater to other people's needs. This is no more inconsiderate than somebody requesting that you change their linens or bring up room service - it is your job.
2007-09-16 17:00:07 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think this is ridiculous- most Jews that follow Shabbat laws would turn on a couple lights BEFORE sundown and then leave them on during the entire time. As for TV- we're not even supposed to be watching TV during Shabbat. The electric key, I can understand, but that's it. having someone do things for you that you aren't supposed to be doing on Shabbat is kind of skirting around the law. But, if you're asked to do it, I guess you have to do it since that's your job.- Just my opinion
2007-09-16 22:53:00 · answer #4 · answered by nanny411 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because these laws only apply to the first day.If they are asking you to do this the secound,third,fourth then they are just using you or taking advantage of you.Because it clearly says in our holy book(Torah).That on the first day of passover work shalt not be done.Because that day is a rest day because we were recalling being free from egypt and resting from working for the pharoah back then.
Plus if this was true that we counldnt work for the whole Passover week then alot of people would be out of a job and school.Even with being excused.
2007-09-15 17:38:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
They are likely ultra-orthodox and hence the things they are asking you to do is considered "work".
Unfortunately, you are in the "hospitality" business and it is the type of industries that usually caters to peculiar and individual tastes of the customers.
I can understand it seeming to be overboard. But you ARE a hotel employee and unless doing what they ask jeaopardizes other of your duties, I would just do it. You might want to check with management about this to see if they support their requests.
2007-09-15 15:01:51 · answer #6 · answered by Meg 4 · 5⤊ 1⤋
That's a cheap cop-out. You're not supposed to use electricity at ALL. Making other people do so for you is the same thing.
2007-09-15 16:44:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
These restrictions are only for the first day.
2007-09-16 00:54:33 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Why can't they turn the lights and TV off themselves? I can see not being able to use the key card, but the rest sounds like things that they can do for themselves.
2007-09-15 14:53:17 · answer #9 · answered by Ryan's mom 7 · 0⤊ 5⤋
your right about not having to do it for them, however if your hotel wants to encourage jewish hospitality it is in your interest to help them out.
they will find this treatment elsewhere...
2007-09-16 14:07:06 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋