Sabbath Mode is a feature in many modern appliances that is intended to allow the appliances to be used on the Shabbat and Jewish holidays. The function allows the refrigerator to disable all lights or other electrical activity from occurring when the refrigerator door is opened. Some Sabbath mode refrigerators include a timer for the compressor so when you open the door, which will normally causes the compressor to turn on as the temperature rises, will have no effect on the electrical operation of the appliance.