(Jewish Group) Rescue efforts in Turkey put to rest a misconception about the Jewish Sabbath
Even in an increasingly secular society, questions about whether companies can require people to work on the Sabbath, or whether a school basketball team must play or forfeit the game, remain timely and controversial.
But the recent devastation in Turkey and Syria brought to light an ancient question: whether it is lawful for observant Jews, who abstain from work on the Sabbath, to perform rescue operations on their holy day of rest.
The answer, of course, is yes.
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Earlier this month, United Hatzalah abruptly flew its 25 volunteers back to Israel from Turkey following an imminent security threat against the Israelis. The team had helped rescue 15 people in a few days on the ground — including on the Sabbath.
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