weekly hired help

Asked by Still trying to understand · January 28, 2004 · Shabbat

Question

Thank you for your patience with me. I understand that your live in or weekly maid can vacuum the floor for you on Shabbat because it is possible to do the activity in a permissible way and the vacuum just makes it easier for the Gentile employee. In two communities where I have lived, people actually have their hired chaffeurs (weekly employees) drive their children to synagogue. They do this with the approval of their Orthodox ordained Rabbi. They claim that they are hiring the Gentile to get the kids to synagogue and the Gentile, rather than schlep them on foot drives them because it is easier for the Gentile. I am not looking for permission to take a limo to synagogue (maybe a few months ago, but not now) but how is this different than hiring the Gentile to push elevator buttons (eruv issues aside) because it is easier than carrying a person up the stairs (a permissible/possible activity) or vacuuming the floors (because it is permissible/possible) to clean them with a broom and in both cases it is easier for the Gentile to use the elevator/car/vacuum to do the permitted activity in a way that makes it easier for them. Thank you very much for your time and patience.

Answer

Answered by Aaron Abadi

A non-Jew can drive your children to the Synagogue, if they are very young, for that very reason. Once they can understand, it would be an unhealthy way for them to grow up. This is assuming that there is a permissable way he/she can take them, but would rather go the easy way. A gentile can push the elevator buttons. We clarified that earlier. As long as there is a need. For example, you live three floors up, or the person is elderly, etc... AA