Phone Calls on Shabbat - In Case of Suicidal Risk
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Question
My 17-year-old daughter has been hospitalized for a month due to a mental illness involving suicidal tendencies and self-harm. It turns out that during difficult weeks, both due to family separation and unexpected attacks, she needs conversation and encouragement to avoid self-injury. Often, the hospital staff is not available to provide her with emotional support. My question is, is it permissible to call us on Shabbat and holidays when she feels an attack? If so, am I allowed to carry a phone on Shabbat and holidays? In short, what is permitted and what is forbidden for us? Thank you very much and happy holiday
Answer
Hello
If the calls are necessary to prevent her from harming herself, it is permissible to speak with her on the phone on Shabbat [when it is not possible to be physically by her side].