Traveling to a hospital on Shabbos:
May one travel to a hospital of their choice or must it be the closest available hospital?[1]
One may travel to whichever hospital he/she feels that they will receive the best medical treatment or care, irrelevant of the distance. However, one may not travel to a more distanced hospital simply to save money.
When traveling to the hospital on Shabbos what items may one bring with him?[2]
All items which the Yoledes will need for the actual birth, even if it is merely to help her feel relaxed and calm, may be brought in all cases.[3] All other items may only be brought if:
- The item is not Muktzah and,
- One is traveling within the city [i.e. within Techum Shabbos] and,
- There is an Eiruv in the city and,
- The item is needed on Shabbos.
If one prepared their bag before Shabbos with items that may not be brought, must they remove these items on Shabbos prior to leaving?[4]
If there is no time to do so, such as that the Yoledes must immediately go to the hospital, then there is no need to clear the bag. If, however, time does remain then the Muktzah and other unnecessary item are to be shaken out.
If one is traveling outside of Techum Shabbos must the escorts diminish in the amount of clothing they wear? Such as may the husband take his hat, gartel, kapata?
No.[5]
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Advice to be able to carry items out of Techum:[6] Those traveling on Shabbos and Yom Tov to a hospital that is outside of the Techum may only bring with them items that are of absolute necessity for the birth, as explained above. If, however, one makes the item Hefker before Shabbos/Yom Tov, then it is permitted to bring the item outside of the Techum. Hence, it is advised that the wife and escort make Hefker all items that they desire to bring with them to the hospital [and are not needed for the actual birth]. Initially, the items are to be made Hefker in front of three people. If this is not possible, it is to be made Hefker even amongst oneself. |
[1] SSH”K 32 footnote 17-109; Piskeiy Teshuvos 330:1; Nitei Gavriel 58:18-19; Toras Hayoledes 7:1-7 [see there for various scenarios]; See Kaf Hachaim 330:3
[2] See Nitei Gavriel 58:11; Toras Hayoledes 2:29-31; 14:5; 17; Piskeiy Teshuvos 330:1 footnote 2
[3] Minchas Yitzchak 8:30; Shraga Hameir 4:30; Shevet Halevi 3:92
[4] See Nitei Gavriel 58:12-13; Toras Hayoledes 18
[5] Tzchebiner Rav answer to Rav Gerelick of Kfar Chabad [brought in Yagdil Torah Tzemach Tzedek]; Toras Hayoledes p. 32
[6] See Toras Hayoledes 2:30; See Admur 246:9; Kuntrus Achron 445:1
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