1. We learned yesterday that Shabbat is violated to save a person’s life, even if that person will not live much longer or can no longer perform mitzvot. Shabbat is also violated to save the life of a person who attempts to commit suicide (Chazon Ovadia, Shabbat vol.3; R. Yonatan Rosensweig, “Nafshi B’sheelati,” ch.2). For example, if one discovers that a person is about to commit suicide, it would be permitted, and obligatory, to drive, call the police or doctor, or perform any other activity necessary to save the person’s life.

2. Some cases of mental illness may also warrant violating Shabbat, at least in situations where concern exists that the person may attempt to commit suicide. This could include individuals with schizophrenia, bipolar type 1, and other cases of clinical depression (“Nafshi B’sheelati,” ch.2). In such cases, if they are in potential serious emotional danger, it may be permitted for the patient to cope with their distress by writing, listening to music, driving, and other activities that violate Shabbat (ibid.). Of course, such a situation should, if possible, preferably be discussed in advance with a rabbinic authority who is familiar with the individual and the mental health considerations involved.

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Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for everlasting peace in Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.