Action by Electricity
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Question
Hello Rabbi, I would appreciate it if you could enlighten me on the following matter: It is known that the poskim have discussed the use of electricity in various contexts — mitzvot, tefillin, etc. In a situation where an action by hand (ma'aseh gavra) is required, would a continuous press, such as a person wanting to slaughter with a knife that moves back and forth by electricity, and as long as the person presses the button electricity flows — would this be considered an action by hand? And in a slightly different manner, if in addition to continuously pressing the button with one hand, he holds the knife in his other hand (and his hand moves due to the electricity operating the machine), is the action considered his own? Best regards
Answer
Hello,
It is known from the words of the Chazon Ish that a person who operates an electrical device and performs an action with it is considered to have acted with his hands.
Certainly, in cases where continuous pressing is required, such as with a drill or a sewing machine, it is undoubtedly considered an action by hand.
[I did not understand the second case, where he holds the knife and the knife moves due to electricity. What benefit is there in holding it if he is not the one slaughtering?]