Q. On Shavuos we had a blackout, and the new electric stoves, lost their timers and memory, and would not work unless reset manually. Is it permitted to ask a non Jew to reset it on Yom Tov, so we can cook? Could it be done on the second day?

A. Halacha dictates that “Shvus D’shvus”, or a prohibition composed of two overlaid rabbinical proscriptions, is permitted if it is needed for the compliance of a mitzvah. (O.C. 586,21 – 331,6 and M.B. 655,3). Most Poiskim consider lighting a fire in Yom Tov to be only a rabbinical prohibition. Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a therefore maintains, that instructing a Gentile to reset an electric stove, which is in itself only a Rabbinical injunction, will result in a “Shvus D’shvus” that when needed for Simchas Yom Tov is permitted.

Some authorities argue that lighting an electric stove may not to be “Moilid”, since the electric power is already in existence and it is just being transformed not created, (see Shevet Halevy 8,121), Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a opinion is that this is totally incorrect. Given that this type of transformation occurs in other common cases of prohibited lighting.

Many Poiskim do not consider that the second day of Yom Tov can by itself reduce Melochos to a rabbinical level, as our sages strengthened the second day to be as stringent as the first (Noida Beyehuda 2, O.C. 44). However some disagree (Minchas Itzchok 7,34)

Rabbi A. Bartfeld, as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a