Needless to say security will be extremely high on this Shabbos, parshas Chayei Sarah, as it is the annual “Shabbos Hebron”, usually attended by many thousands. While some will opt not to attend this year because of the deteriorating security situation in Israel, particularly the Hebron/Kiryat Arba areas, thousands are still expected to participate in the Shabbos amid what may be an unprecedented IDF and police presence.

In light of the situation, the mora d’asra of Shavei Shomron and Rosh Kollel and Yeshiva Gevoha Shavei Shomron Rabbi Yehoshua Schmidt was asked if one may carry a phone in Hebron this coming Shabbos to permit one to call for immediate assistance in case of emergency.

He is quoted responding that one who carries a phone on Shabbos must prepare the numbers in advance so they appear on the phone log and can be dialed immediately and with the push of a single button. In addition to the Shabbos concerns, Rabbi Schmidt explains this will expedite bringing life-saving assistance in the event of an emergency on Shabbos.

The rav adds that regarding walking in an area like Hebron today, or all the time, one must enter the discussion to determine if a cell phone is a ככלי שמלאכתו להיתר ולאיסור and even if one says it is “לאיסור”, one may rely on poskim that permit carrying it in an appropriate fashion לצורך גופו ומקומו and he agrees with this opinion.

At the end of his response the rav adds “יהי רצון שנזכה לשבת בכל מרחבי ארצנו הקדושה, אשר ניתנה לנו מאת הבורא יתברך שמו, כמובא ברש”י הראשון על התורה, “כח מעשיו הגיד לעמו לתת להם נחלת גוים”, ונזכה לראות בשוב כל עם ישראל לארצו, בביאת משיח צדקנו ובבנין בית מקשנו במהרה בימינו אמן כן יהי רצון”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)