what is sabbath mode

Sabbath mode is a feature in many modern home appliances, including ovens, dishwashers, and refrigerators, which is intended to allow the appliances to be used by Shabbat-observant Jews on the Sabbath or Shabbat and religious holidays in Judaism. During these times, there may be restrictions on certain activities that can extend to the use of appliances, such as turning appliances on or off, using control panels, or activating lights and sounds. Sabbath mode enables the operation of household appliances in compliance with certain Jewish laws by modifying or disabling certain features. For example, in Sabbath mode, a refrigerator or freezer door can be opened and closed without activating interior lights, sounds, or other controls. In an oven, Sabbath mode disables the automatic shut-off function to allow it to stay on longer than 12 hours, and certain features such as digital temperature readouts, timers, and chimes are disabled. The purpose of Sabbath mode is to not let the operator accidentally use a feature that would violate religious laws. Different manufacturers have different steps to put appliances in Sabbath mode, and it is important to check the owners manual for specific directions.