I once worked in an apartment building New York City where I met this Jewish gentleman who always requested that we press the elevator button for him and open his apartment door because if he did it it would mean that he had worked and he was sinning. Is this an official belief Jewish community or is it a misunderstanding on this person's part?

RickJ

That's more than simple misunderstanding...it's extreme superstition.

fredg

Hi,
Sounds like the person just wants to feel important; having others do things for him! I don't think this comes under "sinning", for any religion!

NeedKarma

Please forgive the above post, it shows a lack of understanding of other religions.

I know a few Jews who have different levels of orthodox observance. Even among themselves the debate is endless as to what contitute "work" on the Sabbath.

RickJ

Over the years I've heard a variety of the debates over what is work and what is not...but never so extreme as opening a door or pushing a button.

Those extremes make me wonder if the guy would say he's not allowed to eat: to open a box of something, turn on his stove, press Start on a microwave, etc...
...or how about relieving himself: unzip his zipper
flush his toilet? (press the flush lever)
Brush his teeth? (squeeze the tube).

...ok, I'll leave the poor fella alone now.

Hopefully a Jewish member will pipe in on this one.

fredg

HI,
I do apologize if I have "shown a lack of understanding of other religions". However, with that apology in mind, and maybe not even needed at all, can anyone shed some light on just specifically what religion or spiritual belief is there that specifically says "pushing an elevator button" or "opening a door" is "sinning"?
Thank you.

Curlyben

I totally agree with this sentiment.
For some ultra Orthodox jews, even turning on a light switch is forbidden during the Sabbath as it is against their holy laws.

RickJ

Ok, I see the point. Pardon me if I've gone too far to make light of "religious" practices.

In my faith we have what's called superstition: In short it's taking a good thing, or even a doctrine, too far. I wonder if this is the case.

For the always wondering side of me I'd love to see an official pronouncement of a religion [branch of Judaism] that prohibits such things as these.

NeedKarma

fredg,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shabat

http://www.practicingourfaith.org/prct_keeping.html

http://www.ou.org/publications/kaplan/shabbat/39.htm

RickJ

The third one is neat in that it gives some examples for each of the 39 prohibited categories.

But nowhere do we find prohibitions of the likes of opening a door or pushing a button.