[Avodah] Can One Order a Package Knowing It May Arrive on Shabbos

[Zev Sero]

> https://oukosher.org/halacha-yomis/i-want-to-order-a-new-cell-phone-and-am-not-particular-when-it-will-arrive-am-i-permitted-to-place-an-order-online-if-the-website-indicates-the-package-will-arrive-on-saturday

> One may not place an order if the delivery will definitely take place
> on Shabbos. For example, one cannot send a package with UPS or FedEx
> on Friday and select “next day delivery”. Similarly, one cannot order
> a refrigerator or washing machine from a store and arrange for a
> Saturday delivery.


I disagree with the author on this.  Since they could choose to deliver 
after Shabbos and still fulfil their obligation, you are not telling 
them to deliver on Shabbos.  In the winter this could actually happen. 
But even in the summer, when you can be fairly sure they won't do that, 
that's their choice not yours; if they did arrive after Shabbos you 
would have no right to complain, so you are not asking them to work on 
Shabbos.

Only if they guarantee that "all deliveries will be made during business 
hours" or something similar would you not be allowed to order a Saturday 
delivery.  And even then, if there's a space for delivery notes, and you 
write that late night delivery will be OK, that should be enough to 
permit it, even if you can be fairly sure it won't change anything.

-- 
Zev Sero            Wishing everyone a *healthy* and happy summer
zev at sero.name       Seek Jerusalem's peace; may all who love you prosper