עברית
Halachot and Customs
Is it permitted to pass through an area with motion-sensor lights on Shabbat?
Question
Dear Rabbi, Hello,
In the building where I live, there is a side entrance that has lights installed, which are activated by motion sensors, to illuminate the path. The person who installed these lights is a Shabbat observer.
Is it permitted to pass through this side entrance on Shabbat, or is it prohibited?
Respectfully,
Omer Giz
Answer
Warm regards,
If the illumination that turns on is convenient for that person to light his way, it is not permissible. All the recent halachic authorities (see Responsa Chashav Ha'efod, Vol. 3, Siman 81, Responsa Sharga Ha'meir Vol. 8, Siman 162, Responsa Shevet Halevi Vol. 9, Siman 561, and Responsa Yabia Omer, Vol. 9, Orach Chaim, Siman 35, Section 6) that permitted passing by houses on Shabbat when the light turns on as one passes by, based the allowance on the fact that it is not convenient for the person and he has no need for the light that turns on, since there is enough light even without it. However, in a case where it is convenient for him because of the light that turns on, it is altogether prohibited.
Best regards,
Hillel Meirs
