Using an Automatic Ice Maker on Shabbat

Peninei Halakhah discusses refrigerators and coolers whose motor runs on a thermostat. It rules that one may open the refrigerator even when the compressor is off, for three reasons. First, the person does not intend to turn the motor on. Second, it is uncertain whether opening the door will turn it on. Third, even if it does, opening the door does not itself start the motor; it only lets in warm air, which later affects the thermostat, and that is indirect causation (grama). By the same reasoning it permits drinking from a water cooler without checking whether its compressor is running. This matches the answer: as long as the ice maker does not start working immediately and directly when ice is taken, using it is fine. Something that turns on directly at once, like a refrigerator light or fan triggered by the door, is forbidden.

• Peninei Halakhah, Shabbat 17:8 — one may open a thermostat-controlled refrigerator or use a water cooler even though this may cause the motor to start later, since it is unintended, uncertain, and at most indirect (grama). An appliance that directly turns something on when used may not be opened.