Wednesday 1 July 2015

halacha - Is it permitted to attach a prosthetic leg/arm body/body part on shabbos?



The Torah prohibits the act of “building” or attaching of any structure that is built firmly or tightly, or requires artisanship to craft (Shulchan Aruch 313)


The question is though, that there are exceptions for things that are easily removable or meant to be removed or reattached, that it would be permitted to attach and detach (Shulchan Aruch 313:6).


Does a prosthetic fit into this exception? On the one hand it is very tight and secure. But on the other, it is also often removed (to clean the arm, for showers etc.) is that called something that is meant to be re-attached?



Answer



R Abraham S. Abraham discusses a related element in the volume 1 of his Nishmat Avraham pp. 166ff. - a 3-volume sefer of medical halacha.


He explains (based on Shulchan Aruch HaRav) that the assembling of items on Shabbbat is only prohibited if it will definitely not be dismantled on Shabbat (i.e., building a permanent structure). Therefore, according to him, there would not even be a violation of Rabbinic prohibition in assembling something that will be dismantled after use.


He applies it to syringes and needles but it feels it could be applied to a prosthesis as well.


I also saw that R Moshe D. Tendler and Fred Rosner write in their article The physically and mentally disabled - Insights based on the teachings of Rav Moshe Feinstein



Other prostheses, such as artificial limbs, may also be put on, taken off, and worn - even through a public thoroughfare - because these devices are considered part of the person's body.




Both Nishmat Avraham and Shmirat Shabbat KeHilchata (18:15) allow going out and wearing a prosthesis on Shabbat (where there is no eruv).


See also this related article from Ohr (credits to Kazi bácsi for locating it).


Of course CYLOR before applying in practice.


No comments:

Post a Comment

readings - Appending 内 to a company name is read ない or うち?

For example, if I say マイクロソフト内のパートナーシップは強いです, is the 内 here read as うち or ない? Answer 「内」 in the form: 「Proper Noun + 内」 is always read 「ない...