16. If a person sees that he will suffer a loss, for example, one of his barrels of wine is leaking, he is permitted to ask a Gentile to come over, even though he knows that the Gentile will mend it. This is allowed even when the performance of an absolute melacha (Biblical prohibition), is involved, provided that the Jew does not instruct him, even by allusion, to fix it. However, it is permitted to say, in his presence (1): "Whoever will prevent me from suffering this loss will not go unrewarded." This, however, should only be said when a substantial loss is involved (2).

FOOTNOTES:

(1) One may not address this statement to him directly, for example, by saying: "if you prevent this loss, you will be rewarded" (Mishna Berura 307:70).

(2) It seems that the Mishna Berura would permit saying it even when the loss is not substantial (See Mishna Berura 307:71).

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