Turning on an Air Conditioner for the Sake of Shabbat Enjoyment
Question
Is it permitted to ask a non-Jew to turn on an air conditioner on Shabbat in hot weather, for the sake of the Shabbat meal and sleeping?
Answer
Shalom u'vrachah
It is forbidden, since this is a Torah-prohibited melachah.
However, if there is a child for whom the heat is difficult, or an adult who is defined as a “choleh she’ein bo sakanah” — an ill person whose life is not in danger — it is permitted to tell a non-Jew to attend to their needs. Therefore, it is permitted to tell him to turn on a light for them.
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