#271: Ice Machines

1. As we have learned previously, poskim dispute whether one may make ice on Shabbat. However, it is generally agreed that one should not use the automatic ice-dispenser on modern refrigerators. This is because removing ice with the mechanism usually triggers an electronic sensor that signals the machine to make more ice, which is a direct activation of electricity on Shabbat (see, e.g., https://outorah.org/p/49710/).

2. If one can remove the ice from the container in a manner that does not activate the sensor, that would be permitted. For example, if taking ice directly out of the actual area containing the ice does not activate the sensor, then one may remove ice this way. In addition, one may turn off the ice-maker before Shabbat and then take ice normally. Nevertheless, one should take care that the dispenser does not activate a light or motor when used.

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Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for the hostages to be released safely to their families and may everlasting peace come to Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.