New Shabbat Elevator Technology Aims to Boost High-Rise Construction
Translated & summarized from NEWSru Israel by baba
Electra Elevators and OTIS, with the Halachic Technology Institute, have launched a new Shabbat elevator that addresses religious concerns for the ultra-Orthodox community. The new design prevents passenger weight from affecting the elevator's motor or sensors, resolving halachic issues. The "Ir Olam" project in Jerusalem will be the first to feature the system, potentially boosting high-rise development in Haredi neighborhoods.
The story in 4 lines · by baba
- New Shabbat elevator technology developed by Electra Elevators and OTIS addresses ultra-Orthodox religious concerns.
- The elevator prevents passenger weight from activating sensors or influencing the motor's operation.
- The "Ir Olam" project in Jerusalem will be the first to install the new Shabbat elevator system.
- The innovation could encourage high-rise construction in areas with large Haredi populations.
Electra Elevators and OTIS, in collaboration with the Halachic Technology Institute, have unveiled a new model of Shabbat elevator designed to address religious concerns within the ultra-Orthodox community. Traditional Shabbat elevators, which automatically stop at every floor, have been avoided by some ultra-Orthodox individuals due to halachic (Jewish law) issues related to the weight of passengers affecting the elevator's operation. This new model incorporates mechanisms that prevent both direct and indirect influence of passenger weight on the motor, and also avoids activating sensors and computerized control systems. The "Ir Olam" project in Jerusalem, featuring three residential towers up to 32 stories high, is slated to be the first to install this new elevator system. Experts suggest this innovation could facilitate high-rise construction and urban renewal projects in areas with a significant Haredi population.