Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

shabbas-goy

Noun

ˈshä-bəs-ˈgȯi

Definition

A non-Jew who performs tasks for Jewish people on the Sabbath.

Examples

During the Sabbath, the family hired a shabbas-goy to assist with food preparations.
Many observant Jews rely on the help of a shabbas-goy for certain tasks that must be done on the Sabbath.

Meaning

In Jewish tradition, the Sabbath is a day of rest during which many activities are prohibited. A ‘shabbas-goy’ refers to someone who is not Jewish but helps those who observe the Sabbath by doing work that they are not allowed to do, such as lighting a fire or cooking.