Chapter 30
General Rules Relating to Actions Performed by a Non-Jew on Shabbath and Yom Tov
APPLICABLE PROHIBITIONS
5.a. 1) One may say to a non-Jew on Shabbath, “It is difficult to sleep with the light on,” so that he understands himself that he should turn it off.
2) All one has done is to describe to him the circumstances which make it necessary for the act to be done.
5.b. 1) One may not say to a non-Jew on Shabbath, “Why didn’t you turn off my light last Shabbath?” so that he understands that he should turn it off now.
2) The mention of the forbidden act itself (albeit in relation to the past) gives the language a peremptory tone more in the nature of a request than of an indirect hint.
6.a. 1) One may say to a non-Jew on Shabbath, “What a turning pity all that gas is being wasted,” so that he understands himself that he should turn it off.
2) Once again, one has merely told him of the situation which makes it desirable to turn off the gas.
6.b. 1) One may not, however, say to him, “Whoever turns off the gas won’t lose by it, “so that he understands that he is to turn it off.
2) Here again, the mention of the forbidden act imparts to the hint a directness more in the nature of a request.
