- Shabbat and Holidays
- Pikuach Nefesh - Lifesaving
Answer phone on Shabbat
Question
I have 2 elderly parents who are not well. If they need assistance they usually call me as I live the closes(10 walking blocks). 3 questions with Pikuach Nefesh in mind:
1) Is it permissible for my Father to call me in case of emergency (i.e. Chest pain, Shortness of breath Chass v’shalom)?
(2) Is it permissible for me to answer, knowing that the call is of an emergency basis?
(3) Can my wife or son answer the phone in my absence (am at Shiur or in Shul)?
(4)Then am I permitted to make a call to medical assitance (i.e. Doctor or Hatzolah) from the home of my parents?
May they live and be well Ahd Meah V’Esrim Shonim Tovos.
Answer
If possible, it is better both halachically and medically for your parents to be able to contact medical assistance immediately without having to go through you as an intermediary. In some places an emergency button can be installed that, when pressed, alerts emergency services. If your parents have problems communicating, then you must be available. Try to arrange a special signal, a special line known only to them, or a Tzomet Shabbat Phone that will minimize shabbat desecration. I join you in wishing them Shnot Briut Min Ha Shamayim.

Spotted Lantern Flies on Shabbos
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Elul 17, 5782

Piku’ach Nefesh on Shabbat
Various Rabbis | Tammuz 22, 5768
killing bugs with traps
Rabbi Daniel Kirsch | Sivan 20, 5782

Mishmar Ezrachi on shabbat
Various Rabbis |

Rabbi Jonathan Blass
Rabbi of Neve Tzuf and Rosh Kollel "Ratzon Yehuda".

Aliyah Latorah for a Non Cohen
14 Tishrei 5763

Yom Tov Sheini vs. Work
14 Tishrei 5763

End of Shabbat
5 Cheshvan 5763

Havdallah Shabbat vs. Havdallah Yom Tov
5 Cheshvan 5763

Mezuzah for a Catholic Family?
Rabbi David Sperling | Nisan 15, 5779

Bracha on water
Rabbi Elchanan Lewis | Cheshvan 16, 5769

Krill Oil
Rabbi David Sperling | Tammuz 20, 5775

Vinegar and Davar Charif Soaking - Kavush
Rabbi David Sperling | Av 24, 5780
How to split expenses for a group event
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Shevat 9, 5783

How can someone change their community?
Rabbi David Sperling | Shevat 11, 5783
Apartment Eviction
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Shevat 9, 5783
