I'd like to know how someone would who is either old, infirm or otherwise handicapped obey the orthodox rule about walking to shul? Is it possible they could be allowed to use commercial transportation such as taxicab or bus? The person certainly would not be driving period.

If a person can not walk to synagogue on shabat, is there someway he can get there.

The easy answer is of course no.

However, three solutions have been suggested.

A vehicle driven by a non-jew which stops no matter what at each station and does not take any form of payment may be permitted. I understand there is a shul in Miami that used such a system.
I understand in India, rickshaws pulled by a non-jew are permitted.
A motorized shabat wheelchair (we have an institute in Israel that makes them) may be permitted under certain circumstances.
If there is an eruv in the community, a regular wheelchair may be permitted. On the jewish holidays, wheelchairs can be seen at any orthodox synagogue in Israel.

This is only an indication that halachic solutions are possible. I certainly in no way suggest that anyone actually do such a thing. (like the don't try it at home kids warning)That is why we have local orthodox rabbis.

Aryeh Shore

This message has been edited. Last edited by: laurence shore,