“Shady Shabbos”

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Someone yesterday asked me to push the elevator button for them and briefly explained that they were "shabbos".  I hesitated for a moment and then did so.  I believe that it is complete bunk, and even if we were living under Old Testament Law, this is a total hypocritical loophole to circumvent the "rule".  My question is: was it wrong to push the button and, in my opinion after thinking about it, in essence participate in a religious practice that I do not believe or want to be perceived to believe in or support… or am over thinking this?

Thank you for all your great answers!!

Sincerely,
Going Up

Dear Going Up,

As you are aware, you ran into some Orthodox Jews that believe that it is wrong to work on the Sabbath.  They define ‘work’ in very unique ways.  They believe it is wrong to travel, but if someone else forces them to travel (i.e. you pressed the button, and they just “happened” to be in the elevator) – it doesn’t count as work.  As you said, the rabbinical traditions of Judaism have gone to the point of absurdity and don’t even resemble the Old Testament teachings.

Here is the problem, if you are actively participating in their religious practice, you are wrong… but whether or not you are is an issue of wisdom.  The big issue comes down to perception.  God tells us to avoid all appearance of evil (1 Thess 5:22) and that we should be careful to consider how our actions will be perceived by others.  1 Cor 10:27-29 uses the example of meat sacrificed to idols.  If you are invited to a meal, don’t worry about asking whether or not the meat came from an idol’s temple; just dig in and don’t worry about it.  But if your host mentions that the meat came from Zeus’ temple – stop eating because your host will perceive that you agree with idolatry.

The same concept would apply here.  If you believe your actions communicate that you agree with their religious practices, don’t do it.  But if you think that pressing the button on the elevator simply conveyed courtesy, don’t worry about it.  You aren’t sinning by pushing the button; it is just a matter of how your actions are perceived.

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