Non-Jews and halakhah

Asked by Sam · March 31, 2002 · Other

Question

I have seen that in many buildings on Shabbat the non-Jewish doorman pushes the elevator button for the Orthodox Jews. He knows to do this ahead of time. Is this permitted?

Answer

Answered by Aaron Abadi

Going on the elevator is certainly not a problem. Having a non-Jew push the button for you can be a problem. It will depend on what exactly happens when the button is pushed. Is it a Melacha De'Orayta or not. Aaron Abadi