Human Dignity (Kavod HaBriot)

Although human dignity (kavod ha'briot) cannot override Torah commandments, kavod ha'briot allows violating some d'rabanan laws in order to avoid embarrassment.
Examples
  • Tearing Toilet Paper
    Situation You need to use toilet paper on Shabbat but none is torn.
    What To Do You may tear some toilet paper using any non-standard method or change from the normal way (shinu'i), such as not using your hand, or dropping something on the paper.
  • Hearing Aid
    Situation You may speak to someone who uses a hearing aid on Shabbat to avoid embarrassing him or her.