I gotta say, it's a weird world where flipping a light switch or turning a key are considered "work."
Actually, the light switch is more of a "fire" issue.
There's a list of things, and starting a fire is one --- lights being the modern equivalent.
Turning the key is not the issue --- carrying something (the key) from inside to outside is the issue.
Here's a reasonably good list:
http://www.ou.org/chagim/shabbat/thirtynine.htm
>>I gotta say, it's a weird world where flipping a light switch or turning a key are considered "work."<<
I heard, 20 years ago, from a Jewish friend, that they would set timers on the TV and other things so they would not have to turn on the tv or change channels.
It was one of the things Jesus was talking to them about when he said if you lust after a woman you have committed adultery in your heart and if you hate your brother you have committed murder in your heart.
He was trying to tell them that they were obeying the letter of the law but completely ignoring it's spirit.
Jesus IS the Christians Sabbath.
Orthodox Jew's lives are controlled almost as much as Muslim's. Islam has much in common with Judeaism regarding little life controlling laws and rules - but islam is much, MUCH worse.
How bout tearing a square of toilet papeh? Did you know that was considered work and many office buildings/hotels in Israel have it pre-torn for the sabbath. Also, the elevators are set to stop at every floor so nobody has to push a button.