[Avodah] electricity on shabbat

[D&E-H Bannett]

Re: elevators and RET's posting:

Rabbi Halperin's decision is that a person is responsible 
for actions influenced by his weight in a descending 
elevator. Prof. Lev's (z"l) counter argument is the fact 
that the rabbanim sailed in steamships during Shabbat 
without fearing that their weight would lower the vessel and 
cause greater fuel consumption.  This argument would be a 
strong one if Rabbi Halperin had assered ascent on Shabbat 
which does require additional electrical current to raise 
the additional load.  But, Rabbi Halperin permits ascent!

On descent, the person's weight is a downward force that 
replaces some of the current.  Only Rabbi Halperin's 
permitted ascent despite the extra load is similar to Prof. 
Lev's steamship.


David