Question:
If this has already been answered, I could not find it, so please send the previous answer
This is a modern building that I prefer for budget and location, and the seventeenth floor, and I am in decent shape, and it is not a health risk, but this is still a pretty serious exertion.
1. Am I obligated to try and find out the make of the elevator, first, before moving in, and before asking this question.
If not,
1. Are the rulings R. Feinstein and/or R. Auerbach, or their disciples, still applicable for this. If so, specifically, according to them, can I simply wait for someone to come in, and push the button, and get off where they get off.
2. Can I step away from the button panel, and, say, 17 please, or if the person there looks my way, can I say 17, or, are either of those too direct
3. I think that walking down should not generally be a problem, but is taking the elevator down a whole different set of issues.
Answer:
The issue of elevators on Shabbos is very complicated. There are many different types and one needs to speak to an expert. Descending is generally more problematic than ascending. I suggest that you contact the Technological Institute in Bayit Vegan run by Rabbi Halprin and speak to them. Their numbers are:
02-6416501 ,02-6423230 ,02-6424880
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