Last week, we discussed the subject of responding to fires, burglars, or potential terrorist attacks on Shabbat. We will continue today by discussing situations relating to children.

1. If a child is trapped somewhere, such as locked inside a room, it is permitted to break the door down and take the child out, even if this involves a Torah prohibition. The reason is that we are concerned that the child may become so scared that he or she will suffer medically or become seriously harmed (Rambam; Mishnah Berurah 328:38).

2. This halacha applies by default to children up to age 6. Children that are older than that may also be subject to this halacha, but only if concern exists that they may panic significantly (Mor Uketzia, O.C. 328). If not, a non-Jew may be asked to perform any melachah necessary to assist them in being extricated from their location.

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