Reporting to HaRav Lando
A new proposed law allows every tenant the right to install a Shabbos water pump at his expense without requiring the consent of all the other tenants. As a result, a delegation from Mishmeres HaShabbos paid a visit, together with MK Rabbi Yaakov Asher, the initiator of the law, to the home of the Slobodka Rosh Yeshiva to seek his blessing for this fine achievement. The law was imperative since beforehand, Shabbos observers were prevented from installing a kosher pump unless all the tenants agreed to it.
Attorney Yehuda Cohen explained that according to the new proposed law, a Shabbos arrangement can be installed for pumps in residential buildings, similar to the existing rule for lighting where special lighting need not require consent of all the neighbors - but could be installed at a tenant's own cost.
During the gathering, it was explained that the Shabbos apparatus has been approved by the relevant unions and companies since it does not cause any damage to the pumps of the building. The device operates in such a way that the pump is operated right before Shabbos with a permanent frequency which assures a steady pressure of water and if there is no water usage, the pressure is channeled back to the water supply tanks so that it avoids any water waste.
The conditions anchored in the law are meant to protect the rights of all the tenants in that building. The one who installs it must provide payments for usage of the device. A written notice must be sent in advance to all the residents with a guarantee on the part of that person to restore the situation to its former state and pay for the expenses involved in the event that if there will be need for the device to be dismantled or if there will be any inconvenience to the other residents.
HaRav Dov Lando, who put much effort in warning against the desecration of Shabbos and creating a technological solution thereof, was happy to hear of the law and said, "Shabbos is the source of all blessing; it is of supreme benefit and blessing to everyone."
He added, "I am a partner to HaRav Beifus and have been fortunate to accompany him in this mitzvah of the Mishmeres HaShabbos for many years." He praised Rabbi Asher and said that thanks to this law, surely many Jews will be aroused, including many who were not aware of the halachic questions. Now they will know that there is a need to deal with this important issue.
