How to Be a Shabbos Goy

Jewish people who strictly observe the Sabbath find themselves in a serious pickle. Because they are prohibited from performing any number of simple acts, like even flipping a light switch, many observant Jews would find it almost impossible to get through the modern Sabbath on their own. Luckily, they can employ the services of non-Jews - goyim - to perform these tasks for them. This helpful individual is known as a 'shabbos goy.'

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. By definition, you must be an outsider: Mormon, Christian or atheist so that you yourself don't violate the Sabbath. But to become a shabbos goy, you must nevertheless be rather close and intimate with Jewish people or groups, such that you will be trusted with the responsibility. You will most likely not be asked to be a shabbos goy. Instead, the role will evolve naturally.

2. Develop a spiritual fluidity. Accept that you can act as a shabbos goy without interfering with your own faith, or lack of it. Many shabbos goyim take part in multiple religious ceremonies for a variety of different religions.

3. Familiarize yourself with the thirty-nine categories of activities prohibited on the Sabbath. Don't stress about not knowing everything: there are whole manuals devoted to the subject, such that even most rabbis doesn't have all the answers. You will learn as you go along.

4. Technically, Jewish people can't ask people to do things for them on the Sabbath on their behalf. Pay attention to sideways requests, like, 'It's really dark in here,' or, 'It's a little hot.'

5. Some people might grow resentful about their role as on-call handyman or errand boy. Work to maintain a humility about your role, and a respect for other peoples' religious observances.