Zomet Finds Ways to Use Technology on Shabbat-
For Special Cases  

by Elad Benari, Israel National News

For 30 years, Machon Zomet (Zomet Institute) has been working to make modern technology compatible with Jewish law, especially on the Sabbath.

The institution’s staff, comprised of 25 rabbis, researchers and engineers have devised practical and pragmatic halakhic solutions for institutions, businesses and private citizens. Its engineers have developed and implemented technologies that enable products such as metal detectors, security jeeps, elevators, electric wheelchairs, and coffee machines to be used on the Sabbath in certain cases through specific techniques.

“I think in a lot of ways it’s become easier to be religious and observant with modern technology,” said Rabbi Dan Marans, Executive Director of the Zomet Institute. “It used to be that when someone became old, all week long they’d sit around the house not being able to leave, and also on the Sabbath. Now, modern technology has allowed people mobility so they can go around as they please during the week, and with changes we’ve been able to make, they can also use the same electric scooters or electric wheelchairs on Shabbat.”

Rabbi Marans explained that electric scooters or wheelchairs can be used by those who need them on the Sabbath by modulating existing currents, so that nothing is turned on and no circuits are closed. This enables those who need it to use these machines on the Sabbath while not using electricity, which is forbidden on the Sabbath. Halakha allows this Sabbath use under special conditions, for reasons of infirmity, illness and security.

Rabbi Marans stressed that “people who want to use this type of equipment have to ask their local Orthodox rabbi if it’s permitted for them. It’s not a blanket halakhic permit, not just something that someone can use for fun. It’s something that someone who can’t walk more than a couple of meters can use in order to go to synagogue and enjoy Shabbat, with a rabbi’s permission.”

The Zomet Institute will receive recognition at next week’s Jerusalem Conference, when Rabbi Yisrael Rosen, head of the institute, will be awarded the Jerusalem Prize during the conference. The prize notes Zomet as being “a leading institution in theconstruction of a Jewish state according to Israel’s Torah” and outlines some of Rabbi Rosen’s accomplishments as the head of the institute.

“I think that what gave the impetus to find solutions that merge Torah and science halakhically is a Jewish state,” said Rabbi Marans. “If we want to have an independent, functioning Jewish state , we can’t  rely on non-Jews for necessities on the Sabbath. We want to be an entirely independent Jewish state, and that means we need Jewish security and Jewish doctors. On top of that, it’s our home and we want to run it ourselves.”


(IsraelNationalNews.com)

*The Zomet Institute certifies each of our Shabbat Amigo units for use on Shabbat.

Halachically Certified Scooters Make Shabbat and Yom Tovim Enjoyable for the Mobility Impaired

Halachically Certified Scooters Make Shabbat and Yom Tovim Enjoyable for the Mobility Impaired

By: Michelle Nevad, Israel Jewish News

When Hashm blesses some people with the intellect and creativity to find halachic solutions to improve lives, it is a reason for celebration!

Apparently Amigo has been making the Shabbat Amigo Scooters for over five years, but I had never heard of them until I read this article. I'm sure it will be news to many of you as well. And it isn't just one scooter that has this option, they have a whole line of scooters that can be fitted with the "Shabbat Mode."

I know that these scooters will make it possible for many disabled, elderly, and frail individuals to live full lives, to be part of their communities, and to enjoy Shabbat as it should be enjoyed--with friends and family!

I know there will be those who think they are smarter than our halachic authorities, and who will, out of ignorance, think it would be better for a disabled person to sit alone in their homes on Shabbat rather than attempt to involve themselves in the community, but I believe that Hashm made the Torah for us to direct our lives, not to punish us and make our lives impossible!

Disabled people don't just need us, we need them! They are our friends, our mothers, our fathers, our grandparents, children, and even our rabbis!

If something is within the law, it is within the law! G-d bless this company for having the insight to design a scooter than can be used!

Scooter on!

Enjoy life!

See you in Synagogue!
M

The Jewish Week: The Shabbat Scooter
by: Rabbi Jason Miller

It truly is remarkable how modern technology can be used to allow those challenged by a disability to maintain the laws of Shabbat. The article focuses on Balkin, whose "worsening neurological disorder has made walking more than a few steps nearly impossible." Now, thanks to the "Shabbat Scooter" from Michigan-based Amigo Mobility International, he can get to synagogue on the Sabbath guilt-free.

Since the article was published yesterday, I have been inundated with questions on Facebook and Twitter about how this scooter actually operates so that it's "kosher" for use on Shabbat. All agreed that it's great that technology has removed this barrier for observant Jews with disabilities, but they wondered how it works.
The key factor in the scooter's acceptability is the differentiation in Jewish law between a direct and indirect action on Shabbat. For instance, according to the laws of Shabbat, a Jewish person may not intentionally extinguish a flame, but if he opens the window and the wind blows out the flame he has not violated the law. In a 2005 article in the Saginaw News, Rabbi Yisrael Rozen of the Zomet Institute explains the need to apply this leniency. "The law does not allow Jews to intentionally carry out non-Sabbath activities under the principle, but it does provide exceptions for people in dire need. Health is among those needs. While not life-threatening, physical disabilities are a legitimate need that may allow a person to use the principle of indirect action for driving a scooter on the Sabbath."
So, based on this principle, how does the scooter operate? I received an explanation from Mike LaBrake, Amigo Mobility International's director of operations:

There is a Shabbat/Normal switch on the Amigo. It is spring loaded and the toggle lever must be lifted before it can be switched to a different position so the user cannot accidentally switch the Amigo back to Normal mode during the Shabbat period... read more.

The Detroit News: Kosher scooters help Jews keep faith
Mich. company's device gets disabled Orthodox followers to synagogue
By: Oralandar Brand-Williams, The Detroit News
Photo by: Clarence Tabb Jr., The Detroit News

Michael Balkin observes traditional Jewish practices, but walking to services has been difficult for the past 20 years.

A worsening neurological disorder has made walking more than a few steps nearly impossible for the 59-year-old West Bloomfield resident. But in recent years, things have improved for Balkin, thanks to a motorized -- and perfectly kosher -- scooter.

"Now I'm able to do whatever and go to Shul and do whatever I want and how I want," said Balkin.