Rosh Yeshiva Responds
Rabbi Linzer answers halakhic questions from rabbis and community members

1 05, 2023

Visiting a Hospital on Shabbat

May 1st, 2023|Choleh, Electricity, Prohibitions, Shabbat|

https://pixabay.com/photos/hospital-bed-doctor-surgery-1802679/

QUESTION
Maryland

I work at a nursing home. Like many institutions, during covid we checked temps and asked visitors (and staff) to use an iPad to answer symptom checks as they come in, even on Shabbat. When I come on Shabbat, I have been allowing staff to check my temp with an electronic thermometer and a non-Jewish receptionist ask me the iPad question while s/he enters them in for me. I am trying to make an official policy. Considering the ongoing pikuach nefesh, it would seem unnecessary to require a non-Jew to use

21 02, 2023

Playing a Game with a Sand Timer on Shabbat

February 21st, 2023|Orach Chayim, Prohibitions, Shabbat|

QUESTION

Chicago, IL

There is a fancy board game that makes use of a sand timer to limit the time in play (similar to how a chess clock measures the total time in play over the course of the game). Is it permissible to play this game on Shabbat? (What about chess clocks?) Nothing is being measured (30 seconds, 2 minutes), but the sand clock determines the duration of the game.

ANSWER

Although there is a general