Can I set my lights on a timer before Shabbat?

Here's what you need to know

You can set your lights on a timer before Shabbat to turn on or off automatically during Shabbat.

The specific rule is

It is permitted to set your lights on a timer before Shabbat begins so they can turn on or off automatically during Shabbat.

Background

On Shabbat, we refrain from performing certain activities, including turning electrical devices on or off. However, setting a timer before Shabbat to control lights or other appliances is allowed because the action of setting the timer is done before Shabbat, and no direct action is taken during Shabbat itself. This practice is widely accepted and used to enhance the enjoyment of Shabbat without violating its prohibitions.

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