TWISTING THE SHADE TO TURN YOUR KOSHERLAMP™ “OFF” OR “ON”

All authorities would permit twisting the shade on Shabbos. It is similar to opening or closing a closet door in which there is a light burning on Shabbos. This is even the case where the shade forms part of the lamp. R. Neuwirth writes explicitly in Shemiras Shabbos:

   A shade which is made to direct the light or to cover it up altogether may be adjusted on    Shabbath, even if it is made in such a way that it forms part of the lamp.

 Shemirath Shabbath Kehilchathah 13:41b
 Rabbi Yehoshua Y. Neuwirth

MOVING KOSHER LAMP™ ON SHABBOS

While twisting the upper shade to control the light is permitted by all authorities, many poskim hold that the lamp itself (outer shade and base) is considered muktza. In the same way that a candlestick would be considered muktzah. However a lit candle may not be moved at all while it is lit because this may cause the flame to burn brighter or go out. With the electric lamp there is no question about the bulb burning brighter or going out, so it may be moved, however this must be done with a shinui. Therefore if you need its place or need to move it to change the direction of the light, this must be done with a shinui (not the regular way) such as pushing it with one’s elbow. This is the strict opinion as expressed in Rav Miller's psak above. There are more lenient opinions. Please consult your local Orthodox rabbi for further direction.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it safe? Won’t it overheat?

KOSHER LAMP™ has been tested and approved by the Canadian and American Underwriter’s Laboratories. KOSHER LAMP™ uses a patent-pending venting system which allows heat to escape while keeping the light in. This is accomplished by using a high efficiency compact flourescent bulb which give’s off light equivalent to a 40w incandescent bulb, but with very little heat. Also, the lamp is made from safe polyresin.

2. Can I leave it on for a three day Yom Tov?
KOSHERLAMP™ has been safely tested for up to two weeks uninterrupted use with the bulb on, and the shade in the "closed" position.

3. Where can I get a bulb?
- USE only a 13 Watt Compact Fluorescent bulb or smaller. We recommend a 10 Watt bulb WHICH IS INCLUDED WITH YOUR LAMP.
- DO NOT USE A REGULAR INCANDESCENT OR HALOGEN BULB. THEY WILL OVERHEAT

High efficiency, compact fluorescent bulbs, which replace regular incandescent bulbs, can be found at all major hardware, home improvement and lighting stores. They come in a variety of shapes; coil and tubular, and a range of wattages. We recommend an 10 Watt bulb, which is the equivalent of 40 Watt incandescent bulb used in a bedroom table lamp. A 13 Watt compact fluorescent bulb replaces a 60 Watt incandescent bulb. Do not use a bulb greater than 13 Watts.

4. How long will the KOSHERLAMP™ last before I have to replace the bulb?
Most compact fluorescent bulbs of this type are rated at 10,000 hours. Because of the extra heat generated in the closed position, it will slightly shorten bulb life. When installed in a recessed can or totally enclosed fixture Philips rates the life of their bulb at 7,000 hours. Since the KOSHERLAMP™ is vented and not totally enclosed, you should expect between 7,000 – 10,000 hours. (that’s up to seven years of Shabbosim!) If the KOSHERLAMP™ is used only on Shabbos and Yom Tov you should expect years of use before having to replace the bulb.