Chapter 22
General Principles Relating to Muktzeh on Shabbath and Yom Tov
OBJECTS WHICH, FOR EXTRANEOUS REASONS MAY NOT BE MOVED
16.a. As explained in Chapter 10, paragraph 14, it is forbidden to open the door of a refrigerator if this will automatically result in the turning on of an internal light.
16.b. However, it follows from paragraph 14a2 above that if the refrigerator is designed in such a way that
1) the motor ceases to operate from time to time and
there is a possibility, during such a break in operation, of disconnecting the electricity supply in the manner and circumstances detailed in Chapter 10, paragraph 14, or
2) one can prevent the bulb from being turned on, by carefully inserting the blade of a knife through the hinge-side of the closed door and holding the switch in a depressed position,
then it is not forbidden to eat the food inside-even if one has opened the door of the refrigerator on Shabbath in the usual way, without taking these steps, and discovered that the light has come on. (One should consult a qualified rabbinical authority on what to do with regard to closing the door again.)
