2 Halachot a Day: How Can You Turn Off the Gas on Yom Tov?

2 Halachot a Day from Behalacha UveAggadah, based on the rulings of Maran Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, zt”l.

How Can You Turn Off the Gas on Yom Tov?

Please note: This year, the first day of Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbat, when cooking is prohibited in any form. Beginning on the second night of Rosh Hashanah, which falls on Motzaei Shabbat, cooking is permitted according to the conditions outlined in the following halacha.

It is prohibited to extinguish a fire on Yom Tov when there is no food-related need to do so. Therefore, someone who uses a match to light a candle or gas burner should gently set the match down and allow it to go out on its own.

Although the gas flame may not be turned off directly, it may be extinguished indirectly. For example, fill a small kettle to the brim with water and place it over the flame. When the water boils over, it will extinguish the flame, after which the gas knob may be turned off. Be sure to drink the boiled water, since it is prohibited to cook unnecessarily.

If you already have hot water available from an urn and therefore do not need the water from the kettle, you can boil an egg instead. Wait for the water to boil over and extinguish the flame, and then eat the egg.

Another option is to place a metal spoon between the flame and the gas stove’s safety sensor. After several seconds, the safety mechanism will cause the gas supply to shut off. Since the flame is extinguished indirectly, this is permitted.

It is prohibited to turn off the gas by closing the valve on the gas tank, since doing so immediately reduces the flow of gas and diminishes the flame.

The best option is to use a Chagaz, a timer designed for a gas stove. On Yom Tov, it can be set for the desired amount of time, after which the gas will shut off automatically.

Is It Permitted to Lower the Gas Flame on Yom Tov?

Lowering a gas flame is also prohibited because it is considered extinguishing. However, if a dish needs to begin cooking over a high flame and then continue over a lower flame, as is often the case with rice, it is permitted to lower the flame. There is no need to light a separate, lower flame.