Parshas Ki Savo 5784 – Intriguing Questions & Answers

A Soldier Fighting in Gaza with a 2-Day Break on Rosh Hashanah: Is He Permitted to Return Home?

Question:
A soldier who has been fighting in Gaza for several months was informed that he will be released, b’ezras Hashem, on the second day of Rosh Hashanah. He wants to know if he is permitted to drive home during Rosh Hashanah for his two-day break.

Answer:
To address this, we must determine whether it is permissible to violate Shabbos for the sake of refreshing oneself. This issue has been debated by leading halachic authorities, particularly given Israel’s history of war. Additionally, every moment spent in Gaza endangers his life, so if he has an opportunity to leave, it may be allowed under the principle of pikuach nefesh (saving a life). Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach zt”l and Rav Avigdor Nebenzahl shlit”a ruled that a soldier may take a break to refresh, even if it requires violating Shabbos, as it directly affects his ability to continue his mission.

In conclusion, it would be permissible for the soldier to drive home on Shabbos for his two-day break.

May a Father Drive His Children to His Parents’ House While Driving His Wife to the Hospital on Shabbos?

Question:
A father asked if he can take his two young children to his parents’ house while driving his wife to the hospital on Shabbos for childbirth, as no arrangements for their care were made before Shabbos.

Answer:
According to the Gemara in Yoma, it is forbidden to leave small children alone due to potential danger. Therefore, in a case where there is no one available to watch them, it is permitted to drive them to a safe place, such as the grandparents’ home. This situation is regarded as pikuach nefesh, as leaving the children alone could endanger them. Ideally, arrangements should be made before Shabbos.

A Gabbai Sends Someone to Buy Drinks, Who Wins a Prize from a Store Promotion: Who Does the Prize Belong To?

Question:
A gabbai sent a congregant to buy four bottles of soda for a shul event. The congregant noticed a promotion offering a prize for purchasing five bottles. He bought the extra bottle with his own money and received the prize. Who does the prize belong to?

Answer:
According to halachic authorities, the prize should be split between the gabbai and the congregant. The reasoning is based on the Gemara in Kesubos, which discusses a similar case. Since the prize was obtained due to both the congregant’s action and the gabbai’s request, it is appropriate to divide it. Additionally, if the store promotion explicitly states the prize belongs to the buyer, the prize would belong to the congregant. This principle extends to similar scenarios involving store promotions, frequent flyer rewards, and other benefits acquired through shared resources.

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