Take the 2-minute tour ×  The question I am to ask is related to
personal experience I've had but can be easily broadened. I am
really asking for the sake of broadening my knowledge, and I
apologize if any part of my question is offending as it is
really not my intent.  As a non-jewish person, I have been asked
by jewish people on Shabbat day to switch a water boiler on. The
same thing happened to a friend, except he was asked to turn the
lights on.  Although we both complied gracefully, I am
wondering: is asking a non-Jew to perform such forbidden actions
legal ? If so, how would things turn out in a society where
everybody is a Jew and complies to the laws ?  I can't help but
feel that either me doing what I did or them asking me to do
them was somewhat unethical. However, I can also imagine that
boiling water could be necessary for such urgent need as feeding
a baby or tending to wounds. In such a case, does the law
provide other workarounds ?  share|improve this question Also
see: Asking a Gentile for Air