Babylonian Talmud, Shabbat 67b

תלמוד בבלי מסכת שבת דף סז עמוד ב

Original Text:

אמר רב זוטרא: האי מאן דמיכסי שרגא דמשחא ומגלי נפטא - קעבר משום בל תשחית.

Translation:

Rav Zutra says, One who covers an oil lamp, or uncovers a naphtha lamp has violated ba'al taschit. (note: ba'al taschit refers to the Torah's prohibition on wasteful or pointless destruction of property or resources)

Suggested Discussion Questions:

1. What are modern parallels to covering an oil lamp or uncovering a lamp? What is the parallel to electricity?
2. What are various denominations' reactions to the belief that leaving lights on during shabbat is wasteful rather than halachic?

Time Period:	Rabbinic (Maccabees through the Talmud)
Type:	Commentary, Legal Text
Categories:	Ethical Consumption, Environment
Keywords:
Related Texts:	Babylonian Talmud, Shabbat 67b

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Naamahp

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