Instructions for car patrols on Shabbat

Rabbi Shimon Golan

 

It is a well-known rule in halacha regarding lifesaving matters that professionals and experts in various fields are consulted on any subject. This holds true in medical matters as well as in security matters.

 

In the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Haim, Siman 329, Section 6), it is ruled: "Regarding non-Jews who besiege Jewish cities: if they come for money, we do not desecrate the Shabbat [to protect ourselves], but if they came to kill or come with no presented reason, we go out with weapons and desecrate the Shabbat. In a city that is near the border, even if they just come for straw or hay, we desecrate the Shabbat. Ram"a: Even if they haven't come but they want to come (Or Zarua)."

 

According to the assessment of the various security forces, for our purposes determined by Mr. Lior Avitan, director of the Emergency and Security Division, there is a need to increase security and patrolling in Efrat, which in this case is certainly considered to be a city next to the border. That is why the "Lirot Ve'Lehiraot" unit was established. The volunteers are an additional inner circle within Efrat whose purpose is to identify incidents, as well as deter the enemy watching from the outside, and instill a sense of security among the residents.

The unit's activity includes patrol vehicle tours within the neighborhoods of Efrat.

There is no doubt that, at this time, these tours are allowed on Shabbat.

 

Although this is permissible and mandatory, when it is possible to reduce breaking a prohibition without harming the level of security, this must be done. For example:

Avoid non-essential stops, such as stopping to talk to residents. You should stop only when there is a security need or to change shifts.

If the change of shifts is done close to the volunteer's house (this is subjective), do not continue driving to the volunteer's house, but rather he should walk to his house.

Use the phone for security purposes only, not for listening to music or the like.

In this context, the question of the use of electric powered vehicles, the prohibitions on which are "fewer" than gasoline powered vehicles, came up. This question is only relevant for the volunteers in their own vehicles. The vehicles of the security department run on gasoline.

 

Before concluding, I will mention the words of Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef (Yalkut Yosef Law of War on Shabbat): "When they were forced to go out to fight on Shabbat, even though they desecrated the Shabbat, there is no need to make any repentance and atonement for desecrating the Shabbat."

And to conclude, we will remember: if Hashem will not guard a city, it's watcher keeps his guard in vain. Blessed are you, Hashem, guarding His people Israel forever.