A Gift That the Recipient Will Carry on Shabbat
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Question
A Jew is beginning to strengthen in faith, but currently drives on Shabbat. His brother wants to buy him a prayer book. The brother knows that the 'strengthening' individual will take the prayer book by car to the nearby village, which is outside the Shabbat boundary. Is it permissible to give him the prayer book?
Answer
Hello,
There is no problem giving him a gift if it is not clear that he will carry it on Shabbat in violation.
If it is clear that he will carry it outside the Shabbat boundary, it is forbidden to give it to him. One should strive to find a gift that will not cause him to transgress.
In a situation where this specific gift will bring him closer to Judaism, there is room for leniency.
Source
Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, Siman 163, Sif 2, and Siman 169, Sif 1. However, the Chazon Ish, Sheviit, Siman 12, Sif Katan 9, writes that leniency is possible in a case of need to bring him closer.