May a butler (shamash) inspect cups and plates by candlelight on Shabbat, and does it matter if he is a regular or non-regular butler?
Synopsis
The Mechaber distinguishes between a non-regular butler (forbidden to inspect cups by candlelight since he doesn't recognize them and needs close scrutiny) and a regular butler (permitted since he recognizes them and needs less scrutiny). With olive oil lamps, even a regular butler should not be instructed to inspect, though if he does it on his own it is permitted.
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Discussion
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