Rav Dov HaKohen Kook, the Tzaddik of Tiveria, has issued a directive sharply criticizing a common practice among religious emergency responders—returning home by car after responding to Shabbos emergency calls. The prominent mekubal has labeled the practice a serious violation of Shabbos.
“I was shocked to learn that all the chareidi and religious responders are returning home by car,” Rav Kook was quoted as saying on Kol Chai Radio. He added that he had been unaware of the phenomenon until this week.
After examining the halachic justifications commonly cited to permit the practice, Rav Kook concluded that they lack legitimate halachic basis, declaring it a clear violation of an issur d’Oraisa.
The practice he condemned refers to a widespread leniency wherein emergency volunteers, after engaging in life-saving work on Shabbos, return home by car, rather than walking or remaining at the scene until Motzaei Shabbos. Some justify this leniency by arguing that without it, responders might be reluctant to answer calls.
Rav Kook emphatically rejected that rationale. “That’s not a valid reason to permit a Torah prohibition that carries the penalty of skilah,” he asserted.
He also dismissed the argument that responders must remain available for the next emergency, calling it “a doubtful scenario that has not yet materialized.” He pointed out that the next emergency call could just as likely occur in the area where the responder already is.
Rav Kook noted that leading poskim such as Rav Ovadia Yosef and Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach had previously ruled against the practice as well.
He concluded by urging the public to continue respecting and appreciating emergency volunteers, but cautioned against treating serious halachic violations as though they are merely issues of chumrah or hiddur mitzvah.
In his Teshuvos (Igros Moshe, Orach Chaim Vol. 4, Siman 80), Rav Moshe Feinstein likewise writes that while violating Shabbos is fully permitted to save a life, once the danger has passed, no further melachah is permitted—even if the responder is left far from home. He explains that any leniency after the act of saving is over must have a clear halachic source, and comfort or convenience does not qualify.
{Matzav.com Israel}