Rescuing a Child Who Got Locked in a Room on Shabbat

Rescuing a Child Who Got Locked in a Room on Shabbat Day: Tuesday Date: August 11, 2015 Parshat: Ri'eh Yalkut Yosef: O"H 328 It is permissible to break down a door on Shabbat to free a child locked in the room if the child is so afraid that he might come to harm if he is not rescued immediately. However if the child can be spoken to and reassured and there is no chance of danger he must wait until after Shabbat. Likewise, if a child got stuck in an elevator and it might turn into a dangerous situation, the fire department or elevator company may be called to rescued the child. It goes without saying that a child who is stuck in a car must be taken out immediately. The police may also be called to help search for a lost child if there is any reason at all to suspect that the child might be harmed. Likewise, if a child was found and he is hysterical and won't calm down, the police may be called on Shabbat to help locate the parents or family. The DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org