An Evacuation Order on Shabbos
ANSWER: Generally speaking, one who must abandon their home on Shabbos in a place where there is no eiruv may not carry anything with them. However, one may wear their Tefillin, since this is considered like an article of clothing. This situation is similar to what is discussed in Shulchan Aruch (OC 301:42) regarding one who finds Tefillin outside on Shabbos in an unsecured location. One is permitted to put them on and bring them inside. However, one must have in mind that they are not doing so to fulfill the mitzvah.
If there is a pressing need for other items, a non-Jew may be asked to carry them. This is because with the exception of the biggest cities, the prohibition to carry outside in most cities is only a Rabbinic prohibition. Therefore, in a case of great need, one may ask a non-Jew which is also a Rabbinic prohibition (shvus d’shvus). (See Shulchan Aruch OC 307:5)
One exception is medication. If one is taking medication for a serious condition, these medicines must be taken with them when they leave. This is permitted since the situation can be defined as one of piku’ach nefesh (lifesaving). There is no guarantee as to when one will be able to return, or have the medications refilled. If the medication can be carried in an unusual manner (shinuy), such as inside one’s hat, then this is preferable; However, if there is concern that the medication may get lost, then it may be carried in a normal manner.
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The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt"l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.