Q&A: Taking a Temperature on the Sabbath at the Entrance to a Synagogue
Taking a Temperature on the Sabbath at the Entrance to a Synagogue
Question
In light of the current situation, where everywhere people gather they need to have their temperature taken—what is the Rabbi’s view on taking a temperature on the Sabbath, and is it permitted to do so at the entrance to a synagogue?
Answer
Why would it be permitted at the entrance to a synagogue? If this is a forbidden measurement, then it is forbidden. With an electric device that is obvious. With a thermal device, it is a question of measuring on the Sabbath, and perhaps that is something to discuss.
Discussion on Answer
Indeed. I only noted here that if it is forbidden, I don’t see how one could permit it at the entrance to a synagogue. I wasn’t addressing the prohibition itself.
Maybe in a public setting, when there is a danger of contagion (and for at-risk groups this may be a possible threat to life?), could one be lenient with a rabbinic prohibition in order to protect the public?
Something like extinguishing a coal?
What they permitted for public needs is a double rabbinic prohibition (in a place of commandment need and for public needs). Assuming there is a prohibition, it should not be permitted even for the sake of prayer. After all, this is not about health. They should cancel communal prayer if it cannot be done. Perhaps if a non-Jew operates the thermometer, it can be done.
Temperature-taking is a governmental fiction. The chance that someone sick with coronavirus will be found to have a fever is lower than 50%.
The chance that someone who has a fever actually has coronavirus is also low.
So what does temperature-taking accomplish? Nothing. Blind obedience from a group of ignorant, brainwashed people.
I seem to remember that you cited Rabbi Feinstein’s view permitting analog temperature measurement on the Sabbath (a mercury thermometer), because it is an ordered measurement and not counting.