Q&A: Something Happened That Happens Once in a Million Years
Something Happened That Happens Once in a Million Years
Question
A nice Jewish man from the community hired me, for fair pay, to supervise the Arab construction workers renovating his home. (These are mandatory security instructions.)
I of course have to stay alert and armed.
He pays generously and everything is fine.
Then suddenly I discovered that something that happens once in a million years was happening right then and there: my holster was… empty.
The workers, and of course the homeowner, didn’t notice, and to them I looked the same as always…
At that point I had 2 options:
1. Call in a fellow guard to replace me for a few minutes, drive home, take the pistol from the safe, and return to my post.
2. Drive home without saying anything and arm myself. (They aren’t paying attention every moment to where I am in the area.)
The downside of 1 is that until the other guard arrives, it turns out there isn’t really proper security.
The downside of 2 is that while I’m driving there and back, they’re completely unprotected.
My question:
1. Which option should I have preferred, 1 or 2? (Either way we’re talking about less than 5 minutes.)
2. At the end of the day, when I’m paid, should I tell him about the screw-up? (They probably won’t dock my pay, but my value as a good guard will go down in their eyes.)
Or is there no obligation?
I’d be happy to hear the Rabbi’s answer.
Answer
Is the guarding meant to prevent terror attacks they might carry out against passersby in the area, or damage to the house?
Do the workers see you at every moment? What happens if you go to the bathroom? I understand that they don’t always see you.
So in principle, both options are fine. Going home is like “during the time when people normally go in” (Bava Metzia 93), meaning that you’re taking a break in the way people normally do. But of course, if you can bring someone to replace you, that is preferable.
You can also say that you need someone to relieve you because you have to step out for a few minutes, without giving the reason.
But in my opinion, if you honestly say what happened, your standing will only improve. Forgetfulness can happen to anyone, but the responsibility you show when it happens actually indicates that you are serious and responsible.