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The use of
fire is one of the prime ways in which man demonstrates his
mastery over nature. Indeed, the use of fire is one of the
cornerstones of human civilization. It is fire that allows man to
extract energy, his most basic requirement, from nature.
Obviously,
this category forbids such acts as striking a match or turning on
a stove.
It also
prohibits smoking on the Sabbath.
An automobile
engine works by burning gasoline. Turning on the ignition and
stepping on the accelerator causes it to burn. It is therefore
forbidden to drive a car on the Sabbath.
Heating a
piece of metal so that it glows is also in the category of
burning. When an electric light is turned on, its filament is
heated white hot, producing light. This is therefore forbidden on
the Sabbath.
In general,
any use of electricity violates the spirit of the Sabbath, since
it involves extracting energy from nature. According to many
authorities, electricity has the same status as fire with regard
to the Sabbath. In any case, the practice of all observant Jews is
to avoid turning any electrical appliance on or off. Since a
telephone also works by electricity, it also should not be
used.
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