[compsciphd]

consuming electricity isn't a problem. doing things defined as "work" is a problem.

work is in quotes, as it doesn't mean doing a job. it also doesn't mean the physics meanin.

As the simplest example: take rabbis in a synagogue. They are doing their jobs.

Another more complicated example: there's no fundamental difference between what an individual can do to prepare a meal they are serving on the sabbath and what caterers can do. Both can't do things defined as "work", but obviously the caterers are doing their job.

Then there's is the whole interplay between biblical law and rabbinic law