Shabbat Elevator - Saving on Apartment Cost
Question
Hello Rabbi, I was offered to rent an apartment on the 18th floor at a significant discount. The building has a Shabbat elevator from the Zomet Institute. Can it be used on Shabbat if necessary? Thank you.
Answer
Hello and blessings.
According to the instructions of the Gaon, Rabbi Amram Fried, shlita, I cannot comment on specific certification within the framework of this site.
Generally, regarding the main issue: using an elevator on Shabbat without proper certification creates additional electricity consumption. In some cases, it generates energy that is converted into electrical voltage and returned to the building's power grid. Both of these actions are prohibited by law and cannot be permitted for the sake of saving on apartment cost.