Given Israel's pre-dawn attack on Iran and Iran's subsequent drone retaliation on Friday, the Chief Rabbis of Israel have announced that there will be no Shabbat prayers in synagogues in line with the directives of the Home Front Command.
Additionally, questions have been raised about how to stay safe while keeping Shabbat.
To help guide the public, the Zomet Institute - the high-tech organization specializing in electronic appliances designed to meet halacha - has published a series of up to date guidelines for Israelis who keep Shabbat.
Given most Israelis receive red alerts (for rockets, missiles and drones) from the Home Front Command via their phones, some may ask if it's permissible to leave a phone on during Shabbat?
Zomet says that, if Israelis are located in a place where sirens do not sound, a charged phone with an alert app (Home Front Command/Tzofar/Red Alert) should be prepared.
Nevertheless, it is permissible to answer a call if there is a likelihood that the caller is in danger, Zomet added. It is not however permitted to search for news on the telephone or inquire about the injured.
Additionally, Shabbat radios can be left on in the protected space. Shabbat radios in Israel can operate on silent wave mode. This is where the radio is tuned in to certain radio stations that are silent during Shabbat and holidays, however an alert will break the silence wave on the broadcast if danger is detected. Details of which radio stations and frequencies operate in this way can be found on HFC's website.
Can you turn on a light if needed for safety?
Regarding lighting in protected spaces, Zomet recommends that lights be left on in advance. If this isn't the case, it is halachically permissible to turn on an LED or transfer an existing candle to the protected space.
Given the nature of pikuach nefesh (life-saving activity), if safety is a concern, it is permissible to turn on a bulb.
Regarding Shabbat prayers, if the alarm sounds following Kiddush and before the meal, Zomet said there is no need for another Kiddush after returning from the protected space – as long as you stay in the same area.
If a siren sounds in the middle of the Amidah prayer, the person praying should continue the prayer in the protected space.
Rabbi Menachem Perl, the head of the Zomet Institute, said "These instructions are key for observing Shabbat while preserving our lives and safety. "And He who makes peace on high will make peace with us and with all Israel."
Chabad of Israel published a statement, based on the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, saying "When a situation arises where our enemies can harm us, it indicates that our spiritual state is not good. When the people of Israel are attached and connected to G-d and behave as expected of them, the ability to harm us does not exist."
"Therefore, Moses emphasizes that the haters of Israel are the haters of God, and their war on Israel does not come because of our bad behavior. But because of a hatred that is overflowing against God and His people. And if this is the real reason, Moses says, it does not matter how we behave, it is fitting that the Holy One, blessed be He, should protect us in every situation because they are our enemies and His enemies."