It was lights out in Elad on Shabbos Parshas Nasso 5774. The electricity went out on Shabbos morning resulting in a citywide blackout impacting many areas.

Israel Electric Company (IEC) work crews received a special heter to work in the city on Shabbos. Eli Stern, who is responsible for the city’s ‘moked’ emergency dispatcher went to the home of Rabbi Grossman Shlita, and the rav gave a heter for the work to be carried out by the IEC crews. It is explained the rav was concerned for the ill residents who required electricity. However the crews were instructed to work as discreetly as possible. In line with the rabbi’s instructions, the workmen did not use heavy equipment, compelling some of the work to be pushed off until motzei Shabbos.

With the exception of five buildings on Ben-Zakai Street, the power was restored to city residents by afternoon.

Work to replace a transformer began immediately after Shabbos ended.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)