1. We learned last week that one may violate Shabbat to assist a woman in labor to give birth safely and easily, as she is defined as a choleh sheyesh bo sakanah, a person whose life is in danger. Nevertheless, one should try to perform even any necessary melachah with a shinui (change from the normal manner), if circumstances safely allow for it (Shulchan Aruch 330:1). Although with respect to other cases of pikuach nefesh, poskim disagree as to whether a shinui is necessary (see Shulchan Aruch and Rema, 328:12), concerning birth all agree that it is preferable, as birth is a natural life process, and most women give birth without any danger to themselves or the baby (Mishnah Berurah 330:5).

2. For example, one should preferably use one’s elbow to turn on a light or pick up a landline if possible (Yalkut Yosef 330:2), or use the back of one’s hand to press buttons or swipe a cellphone to call for a taxi or ambulance. Of course, if performing a shinui will cause potential risk or delay actions that must be done right away, one should do them normally (Mishna Berurah 330:5).

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