Jerusalem – Rabbi David Yosef, one of the four members of Shas’ Council of Torah Sages, said on Thursday that anyone who has a valid gun license is obligated to carry his weapon this Shabbat in light of the heightened security threat experienced in Jerusalem and other parts of the country in recent days and weeks.
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He also said that synagogue administrators ensure that there is a charged cell phone available in their synagogue over the Sabbath in case of emergency.
In general, carrying a cell phone and firearm on Shabbat is not permitted according to Jewish law, but Yosef ruled that the possibility that such items could help save lives would override these prohibitions.
The country was shaken this week by the bloody terrorist attack that was carried out in the haredi neighborhood of Har Nof in which four worshippers at the Kehilat Bnei Torah synagogue were killed by two Palestinian residents of east Jerusalem, along with a police officer who was shot during an exchange of gunfire with the killers. He died Wednesday morning from his wounds.
Yosef is a resident of Har Nof and serves as the neighborhood rabbi there.
“If there is even a one in a hundred chance that by doing a certain action someone might save a person’s life then they are obligated to do so, so that we may live by God’s commandment’s, not die by them,” Yosef said, in reference to a principle of Jewish law, on the Kol Barama haredi radio station on Thursday morning.
“There is a fear that has taken hold of us, we’re all worried and looking left and right, and this is fine, but we must ask if we’re overstepping the mark or not,” he continued.
“In light of the current danger, I think that anyone who has a gun license should carry it [his gun] on Shabbat… There should also be a telephone available in synagogues… If the premises are big then there should be two or three,” Yosef said.
Content is provided courtesy of the Jerusalem Post
Hey, what happened to the reason “because of going up on Har Habayes”.
Just station police to keep the Jews OFF Har Habayes and there will not be any need for guns or cell phones on Shabbos. I guess the Rav is starting to to come to the realization the Arabs hate us. If it wasn’t Har Habayes it would be something else. The only thing that would help the situation, is if we went to live in Alaska (and I am not sure that would help)
Absolute no brainer.
R shlomo zalman permits carrying on shabbos because lezorech gufoi (if there is a eiruv)
Why only in Israel?
According to Halacha, even if permitted, everyone would have try all alternatives (like not leaving their home, and stay close to the gun, without carrying it. Or move to a safer location) before allowing the Chilul Shabbos.
Why don’t I see this part of the psak? Does this rabbi really think that carrying a Miktze in Shabbos, is allowed “No Questions asked”. Without considering alternatives?
Well, carrying a gun on shabbat is not an issue and doesn’t even require an eiruv, as ruled by Rav Lior. And at least 3 rabbis ruled that it’s not muchtzah.
Why is this necessary? I thought their torah learning and davening provides all the protection needed. At least that’s what they tell everyone else.
Every yeshiva bochur should carry a gun at all times to protect himself and others
In addition for self defense every jewish law abiding citizen over the age of 18 both male and female should be trained in using a fire arm in order to obtain a licensed one. The terrorists who are ready to murder are ready to die anyway as martyrs while attempting to murder so why not shoot them first before they shoot. In addition the government must shut down all social networking for all residents of East jerusalem
This is a perfect time to tell the “charedi” people that instead of army duty they can do these types of services. This is very much needed and I can’t think the great “Rabbis” of the yeshiva world would forbid this or am I too naive?
It will be interesting to see if it works. These low-tech attacks are a security nightmare.