Sometimes it can seem like modern technology has a way of interfering with age-old traditions and beliefs. However, a recent article in the Toronto Star explains that appliance manufacturers have responded to the needs of Jewish consumers by equipping refrigerators and ovens with an optional “Sabbath mode?? which allow them to prepare meals without breaking Jewish law.
According to Jewish law, observant of the faith may not work on the Sabbath (between Friday evening and Saturday evening). In older times, work meant using fire to prepare food. However, as the use of appliances have taken the place of fire, turning an oven on or opening the refrigerator can be considered “work?? because an electrical circuit is being completed.
The Sabbath mode, allows users to disengage some features and keep ranges producing low levels of heat for extended periods of time. On refrigerators, the mode disables the lights and other electrical devices, such as the compressor and thermostat, from engaging while the door is opened.
General Electric, Electrolux, Sub-Zero, Frigidaire, Whirlpool, Maytag and Viking offer Sabbath mode features on their refrigerators and ranges.
GE Spokeswoman Kim Mann told the Toronto Star, “This is not market driven. It’s culturally driven. All ranges manufactured since the late ’90s have a Sabbath mode.??
Click here to read the full article.
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