Chapter 23
Housekeeping and Use of Domestic Facilities on Shabbath and Yom Tov.
ELEVATORS*
*Due to the complicated technicalities involved and the differences of opinion among the authorities, one would be well advised not to use an elevator on Shabbath or Yom Tov without consulting a properly qualified rabbi.
49.a. It is forbidden to use an elevator on Shabbath or Yom Tov, unless all of the following conditions are fulfilled:
1) the elevator operates automatically, that is to say it goes up and down by itself at fixed intervals or continuously;
2) the elevator stops by itself at the required floors, without the need for any human interference, whether by way of pressing buttons or otherwise;
3) the doors open and close automatically, likewise without the need for any human interference;
4) no prohibited act is involved in entering or leaving the elevator. (See paragraph 53 below.)
49.b. 1) There are some who permit the use of an elevator only for ascending, and not for descending, even
a) when all the above conditions are fulfilled or
b) when the elevator is being operated by a non-Jew for his own purposes.
2) Their reasons are outlined in paragraph 50 below.
49.c. There are, however, eminent authorities who allow the use of an elevator (subject to the above conditions) even for descending.
49.d. One should not touch the electrically operated door of an elevator, either with one’s hand or with one’s body, when it is about to close. (See paragraph 53 below)
49.e. It is highly advisable to publish, on every floor of the building, detailed instructions on the use of the elevator on Shabbath and Yom Tov, in order to avoid the violation of prohibitions through ignorance.
