Business Partner for Shabbat
Question
I want to go into business and need a non-Jewish partner to operate the business and receive the profits made on Shabbat. One of my best friends has a Jewish father and non-Jewish mother. He considers himself Jewish because of his patrilineal ancestry, though he knows that Orthodox Jews don’t recognize him as a Jew and accepts that. He is a very nice and honest person and is one of the few people I trust for this. Can such a person be used under any circumstances as a Shabbos goy?
Answers
In theory there is no problem whatsoever as your friend is not Jewish. If, however, he may be hurt by your suggesting to him that he be your “Shabbat partner” and it may have a negative effect on your relationship then you might want to consider using someone else instead of him.
Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team