Amira L'Akum - Signing Names

Question

I am a medical school student and have the following question. I have been studying medicine for many years and recently became observant. My final exam will be in two months and it is scheduled to be on Shabbos. I am working on trying to get permission to take the test on a different day, but things do not look promising.

Even if I fail this test, my overall grades are good enough that I will still pass. However, not handing in the test is considered as if I did not take the course and I will not receive my degree. I have invested a massive amount of time and money into this course, and when I told this to my rabbi, he had a suggestion but wanted me to check if this is halachically permissible. I would like to ask a non-Jew to come and sign my name on my test paper. It will be handed in blank. I will fail the test and pass the course. Does the rov permit me to do this?

Thank you.

Gary

Rav Auerbach 

First of all, I highly commend you for having become a baal teshuvah. I am sure that aside from this question you ask, the decision to become a baal teshuvah presents many challenges for you. However, you should know that it gives great nachas to Hashem that you have taken this upon yourself.

As I wrote in the above teshuvah, one is permitted to ask a non-Jew to do a rabbinic prohibition for the sake of a mitzvah. This leniency also includes a case of great financial need. Since you invested so much time and effort into your studies, this is definitely considered a case of great financial need.

Signing your name on the test paper is a Torah prohibition. Although some poskim consider writing in a language other than Hebrew or Greek to be rabbinic, this is not the accepted halacha. Rather, you should ask the non-Jew to sign the test with his left hand, which, assuming that he is not left-handed or ambidextrous, is derabbonon according to all opinions, since he is not writing in a normal fashion. In the merit of observing Shabbos kehilchaso, may Hashem bless all of your efforts.