1. We mentioned yesterday that some poskim permit performing a biblical melachah on Shabbat for a choleh she’ein bo sakanah, provided it is done with a shinui. Here are some examples of actions that may qualify as a biblical melachah and are sometimes needed for someone who is ill:

a. Doctor writing a prescription (writing)

b. Squeezing liquid out of a compress (squeezing-laundering)

c. Turning on lights or electronic devices (according to some opinions; the subject of electricity on Shabbat will be discussed in the future at some point)

2. According to those who are lenient, all of these may be performed on Shabbat with a shinui if a non-Jew is unable or unavailable to perform them. A shinui in these cases could include: writing with one’s left hand if one is right handed, squeezing liquid out with the back of one’s hand or elbow, or turning on lights or devices with one’s elbow or back of the hand.

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Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for the hostages to be released safely to their families and may everlasting peace come to Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.