When a non-Jew lights a candle where Jews and non-Jews are gathered together, how does the composition of the group affect permissibility?
Synopsis
The permissibility of benefiting from a candle lit at a mixed gathering depends on the majority: if mostly non-Jews, permitted; if mostly Jews or half-and-half, forbidden — unless there is clear evidence the non-Jew lit for his own purposes.
More in Reading by Candlelight on Shabbat
May a Jew benefit from a candle lit by a non-Jew on Shabbat for the sake of a Jew?
5 opinions
May a Jew benefit from a candle or fire lit by a non-Jew for the non-Jew's own use on Shabbat?
6 opinions
May a Jew benefit from a candle lit by a non-Jew for a sick Jew (non-life-threatening) or for children?
4 opinions
If a non-Jew lights a candle or fire in a Jew's house on his own initiative (without being asked), must the Jew leave?
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May one ask a non-Jew to light candles for a Shabbat meal (amira l'akum for a mitzvah involving a Torah-level prohibition)?
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If a non-Jew accompanies a Jew and lights a candle for the journey, may the Jew benefit from it?
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If there is already a lit candle in a Jew's house and a non-Jew lights an additional one, may the Jew benefit from the second candle?
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Is it permitted to tell a non-Jew he may not light, or to protest his lighting?
3 opinions
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Discussion
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