May one ask a non-Jew to light candles for a Shabbat meal (amira l'akum for a mitzvah involving a Torah-level prohibition)?
Synopsis
The Itur permits instructing a non-Jew to perform even Torah-level melacha for the sake of a mitzvah. Most poskim disagree. The Rema reports the widespread custom to be lenient for wedding and circumcision meals but says one should be strict when not extremely necessary.
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?
5 opinions
When a non-Jew lights a candle where Jews and non-Jews are gathered together, how does the composition of the group affect permissibility?
5 opinions
If a non-Jew accompanies a Jew and lights a candle for the journey, may the Jew benefit from it?
5 opinions
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?
6 opinions
Is it permitted to tell a non-Jew he may not light, or to protest his lighting?
3 opinions
Related from other topics
Is oneg Shabbat (delighting in Shabbat) a Torah-level or rabbinic obligation?
Honoring and Enjoying Shabbat
May a Jew rent out his bathhouse to a non-Jew, given that the non-Jew will operate it on Shabbat?
Business Activities Before Shabbat
May a Jew rent out his field to a non-Jew who will work it on Shabbat?
Business Activities Before Shabbat
What is the status of an oven and a millstone regarding renting to a non-Jew for Shabbat use?
Business Activities Before Shabbat
May a Jew engage a non-Jew to perform work on the Jew's behalf on Shabbat when the work has been contracted (kablanut) at a fixed price?
Work Restrictions on Erev Shabbat
May a Jew allow a non-Jew to perform attached (mechubar) construction work, such as building a house or wall, on Shabbat via a kablanut arrangement within the city or its techum?
Work Restrictions on Erev Shabbat
Discussion
Discussion coming soon.
The Daily Law
One question. Every opinion. Every morning.
A new halakhic question and the full spectrum of rabbinic thought, delivered daily.