Appliances help those keeping kosher

Here’s an interesting story from today’s New York Times, for Jews that observe the Sabbath (from Friday evening to Saturday Evening) appliances makers like General Electric, Sub-Zero, Frigidaire, Electrolux, Whirlpool, Maytag and Viking, have introduced appliances with “Sabbath mode.” The Sabbath Mode disables the lighting and electronics on the appliance in accordance with Jewish law that no work be done during the Sabbath. This includes electricity being turned on or used and that requires work to be done in order for the electricity to function.

This has spurred “Kosher Kitchen” makeovers for homeowners as well and some households buy two appliances such as microwaves, ovens and dishwashers in order to separate the preparation of diary and meat-based dishes.

For those in the population not keeping kosher, it’s possible to purchase an appliance with parts that have “Sabbath mode” but never know it, because it is a built-in feature that needs to be programmed in order for it to be used.

Read the rest of the story online.