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==Is it permissible to take a cruise over Shabbat?== | {{Good}} | ||
# According to Ashkenazim, | [[Image:Cruise.jpg|300px|right]] | ||
* The Gemara Shabbat 19a quotes the Briatta which states that one may not board a boat in order to travel on Shabbat unless one got on before 3 days before Shabbat (whether or not this includes Wednesday will be addressed later). | ==Is it permissible to take a cruise over [[Shabbat]]?== | ||
* | # According to Ashkenazim, some authorities forbid boarding a ship that will travel on [[Shabbat]] unless one boards the boat during the first three days of the week (Sunday through Tuesday), however, many poskim permit boarding on Friday since cruises today are calm and don't detract from oneg Shabbat. According to Sephardim, many authorities hold that one may not board a boat within 3 days of [[Shabbat]], meaning, preferably during the first three days of the week and if that’s not possible then even on Wednesday. However, some say that one is permitted to board a cruise/boat even on Friday.<ref> | ||
* However, | * The Gemara [[Shabbat]] 19a quotes the Briatta which states that one may not board a boat in order to travel on [[Shabbat]] unless one got on before 3 days before [[Shabbat]] (whether or not this includes Wednesday will be addressed later). | ||
* The Bet Yosef 248:1 writes that according to the Baal HaMoer it seems that it would be forbidden to board the boat on Wednesday because Gemara Gittin 77a says that Sunday through Tuesday is part of the previous Shabbat and Wednesday to Friday is connected to the upcoming Shabbat. Then the Bet Yosef infers from the Rosh that it is permissible to board the boat on Wednesday. Mishna Brurah 248:8 writes that this question of whether Wednesday is a major dispute between the | * Raavan (Teshuvot 60) and Rabbenu Chananel (Shabbat 19a) explain the reason that it is forbidden to board a boat within 3 days of Shabbat is because of a violation of techumin. | ||
* Menuchat Ahava (vol 1, 1:2) writes that nowadays since the boats are calmer and it’s less likely that it will ruin one’s oneg Shabbat it’s permissible to board the boat on Friday. However, Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 30:66 rules that trips for vacation may only board the ship on the first three days of the week even nowadays. ([http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/728838/Rabbi_Hershel_Schachter/Eruvin_Shiur_#118 Rav Herschel Schachter] (min 77) seems to agree.) VeDaber Davar (Rav Shmuel Pinchasi, 1:25), Chut Sheni (Rav Nassim Karlitz, vol 1, pg 72), and [http://www.dailyhalacha.com/displayRead.asp?readID=1594 Daily Halacha by Rabbi Mansour] agree with Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata. Similarly, Yalkut Yosef (Shabbat vol 1, pg 48) argues that one should not be lenient unless one frequently travels by boat and isn’t bothered by the travel. </ref>This is all on condition that the captain and crew are non-Jewish and that a majority of the passengers are non-Jewish. <Ref> | * Ri (Tosfot Eruvin 43a) holds that boarding a boat within 3 days of Shabbat is forbidden since it is similar to swimming, which chazal forbade since he might make a raft. | ||
* Menuchat Ahava (vol 1, 1:2) writes that if the crew or captain is Jewish and will work on Shabbat it’s forbidden to board the boat any day of the week. Yalkut Yosef (Shabbat, vol 1, pg 48), Sh”t | * Ramban (Milchamot Hashem Shabbat 7b) explains that the reason for the prohibition is because the non-Jews are going to have to do melacha for him on Shabbat. | ||
* Menuchat Ahava (vol 1, 1:2) writes that it is only permissible if a majority of the passengers are non-Jewish, otherwise, the crew is working on Shabbat for the benefit of Jewish and would be forbidden (as Amirah LeNochri). Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 30:66 (and note 221) adds if the ship travels on a schedule and would travel with or without passengers then it would be permissible even if there’s a majority of Jews, but if without the Jewish passengers they would cancel the trip it | * Rif ([[Shabbat]] 7a-b) explains that the reason for this restriction is that if one boards a boat within 3 days of [[Shabbat]] it will negatively impact the passenger’s oneg [[Shabbat]] (enjoyment of [[Shabbat]]), however, if it’s started earlier the passengers will get used to it and be able to enjoy [[Shabbat]]. The Rif adds that if the boat will travel lower than 10 [[Tefachim]] (to the ground of the river) there could be a violation of leaving the [[Techum]] and in such a case one wouldn’t be able to leave any day of the week. The Rosh ([[Shabbat]] 1:38) and Rambam ([[Shabbat]] 30:13) agree with this reason. | ||
* However, Baal HaMoer (on Rif) explains that the reason that one may not board a boat close to [[Shabbat]] is because it is likely that there will be life threatening danger which will necessitate a violation of [[Shabbat]]. However, when one enters the boat before 3 days before [[Shabbat]], there’s no issue because the obligation to prepare not to violate [[Shabbat]] even for life threatening danger doesn’t begin since the beginning of the week is not considered relevant to the upcoming [[Shabbat]] (Mishna Brurah’s introduction to 248 and Mishna Brurah 248:8). | |||
* The Bet Yosef 248:1 writes that according to the Baal HaMoer it seems that it would be forbidden to board the boat on Wednesday because Gemara Gittin 77a says that Sunday through Tuesday is part of the previous [[Shabbat]] and Wednesday to Friday is connected to the upcoming [[Shabbat]]. Then the Bet Yosef infers from the Rosh that it is permissible to board the boat on Wednesday. Mishna Brurah 248:8 writes that this question of whether Wednesday is a major dispute between the Magen Avraham who forbids and the Gra who permits and Mishna Brurah leaves it unresolved. Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 30:66 is strict only to allow entering the boat before Wednesday. Kaf HaChaim 248:7 writes that preferably one should be strict not to board on Wednesday but if it’s not possible one can be lenient. Menuchat Ahava (vol 1, 1:1-2) is lenient to permit entering on Wednesday unless it’s definite that there will be a violation of [[Shabbat]] (because life threatening situations). | |||
* Menuchat Ahava (vol 1, 1:2) writes that nowadays since the boats are calmer and it’s less likely that it will ruin one’s oneg [[Shabbat]] it’s permissible to board the boat on Friday. [http://www.ou.org/webcast_kosher Rabbi Yisrael Belsky] (OU Kosher Webcast, December 2011, min 3-9) says that nowadays the minhag is to be lenient and there is what to rely on. Rav Elyashiv (Hilchot Shabbat Bshabbato v. 1 ch. 2 fnt. 8) agrees. However, Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 30:66 rules that trips for vacation may only board the ship on the first three days of the week even nowadays. ([http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/728838/Rabbi_Hershel_Schachter/Eruvin_Shiur_#118 Rav Herschel Schachter] (min 77) seems to agree.) VeDaber Davar (Rav Shmuel Pinchasi, 1:25), Chut Sheni (Rav Nassim Karlitz, vol 1, pg 72), and [http://www.dailyhalacha.com/displayRead.asp?readID=1594 Daily Halacha by Rabbi Mansour] agree with Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata. Similarly, Yalkut Yosef ([[Shabbat]] vol 1, pg 48) argues that one should not be lenient unless one frequently travels by boat and isn’t bothered by the travel. </ref> This is all on condition that the captain and crew are non-Jewish and that a majority of the passengers are non-Jewish. <Ref> | |||
* Menuchat Ahava (vol 1, 1:2) writes that if the crew or captain is Jewish and will work on [[Shabbat]] it’s forbidden to board the boat any day of the week. Yalkut Yosef ([[Shabbat]], vol 1, pg 48), Sh”t Yechave Daat 6:16, and VeDaber Davar (Rav Shmuel Pinchasi 1:22) agree. | |||
* Menuchat Ahava (vol 1, 1:2) writes that it is only permissible if a majority of the passengers are non-Jewish, otherwise, the crew is working on [[Shabbat]] for the benefit of Jewish and would be forbidden (as [[Amirah LeNochri]]). Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 30:66 (and note 221) adds if the ship travels on a schedule and would travel with or without passengers then it would be permissible even if there’s a majority of Jews, but if without the Jewish passengers they would cancel the trip it would be forbidden. </ref> | |||
# If the ship is owned by Jews, consult your local Rabbi. <Ref>Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 33:66 (not 222) writes that one should consult a Rabbi. See also http://www.yeshiva.org.il/ask/eng/?id=5290 who expressly forbids if it's owned by Jews. </ref> | # If the ship is owned by Jews, consult your local Rabbi. <Ref>Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 33:66 (not 222) writes that one should consult a Rabbi. See also http://www.yeshiva.org.il/ask/eng/?id=5290 who expressly forbids if it's owned by Jews. </ref> | ||
==Boarding the boat on Shabbat== | ==Boarding the boat on Shabbat== | ||
# It is forbidden to board a boat on Shabbat if it will travel on Shabbat even for mitzvah purposes. <ref>Menuchat Ahava (vol 1, 1:4) forbids boarding a boat which will begin to travel on Shabbat even for the purposes of a mitzvah. Mishna Brurah 248:2 writes that it's forbidden to board a boat which will begin to travel on Shabbat but if it's for mitzvah purposes there's a dispute whether it is permissible. </ref> | # It is forbidden to board a boat on [[Shabbat]] if it will travel on [[Shabbat]] even for mitzvah purposes. <ref>Menuchat Ahava (vol 1, 1:4) forbids boarding a boat which will begin to travel on [[Shabbat]] even for the purposes of a mitzvah. Mishna Brurah 248:2 writes that it's forbidden to board a boat which will begin to travel on [[Shabbat]] but if it's for mitzvah purposes there's a dispute whether it is permissible. </ref> | ||
==Leaving the boat on Shabbat== | ==Leaving the boat on Shabbat== | ||
# If the boat arrives to its destination on Shabbat one should try to stay on the boat until after Shabbat, however, if one is unable to do so, one may not carry his belongings (even his passport) with him off the boat rather one should ask a non-Jew to carry his belonging for him. <ref>Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 30:67, Yalkut Yosef (vol 1, pg 53) </ref> | # If the boat arrives to its destination on [[Shabbat]] one should try to stay on the boat until after [[Shabbat]], however, if one is unable to do so, one may not carry his belongings (even his passport) with him off the boat rather one should ask a non-Jew to carry his belonging for him. <ref>Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 30:67, Yalkut Yosef (vol 1, pg 53) </ref> | ||
==Traveling by boat for business== | ==Traveling by boat for business== | ||
# If one is traveling for the purpose of a mitzvah it is permissible to board the ship on Friday. Many Sephardic authorities hold that one must stipulate with the captain that the ship shouldn’t travel on Shabbat and then even if the captain does continue on Shabbat it’s permissible, while Ashkenazic and some Sephardic authorities hold that one doesn’t need to stipulate if one knows that the captain will not agree. <Ref> | # If one is traveling for the purpose of a mitzvah it is permissible to board the ship on Friday. Many Sephardic authorities hold that one must stipulate with the captain that the ship shouldn’t travel on [[Shabbat]] and then even if the captain does continue on [[Shabbat]] it’s permissible, while Ashkenazic and some Sephardic authorities hold that one doesn’t need to stipulate if one knows that the captain will not agree. <Ref> | ||
* The Briatta in Gemara Shabbat 19a writes that for a mitzvah purpose it’s permitted to board the boat on Friday and Rebbe holds that one must stipulate with the captain that he will not travel on Shabbat and then even if the captain afterwards does continue to travel on Shabbat it’s permitted, while Rabban Shimon Ben Gamliel argues that one isn’t obligated to do so. | * The Briatta in Gemara [[Shabbat]] 19a writes that for a mitzvah purpose it’s permitted to board the boat on Friday and Rebbe holds that one must stipulate with the captain that he will not travel on [[Shabbat]] and then even if the captain afterwards does continue to travel on [[Shabbat]] it’s permitted, while Rabban Shimon Ben Gamliel argues that one isn’t obligated to do so. | ||
* The Rambam (Shabbat 30:13) rules like Rebbe, while the Tur 248:1 rules like Rabban Shimon Ben Gamliel. S”A 248:1 rules like the Rambam that even when one is traveling for a mitzvah one must make sure to stipulate with that they not travel on Shabbat. Mishna Brurah 248:3 concludes that if the captain is unwilling to stop for Shabbat it is still permissible to board the boat Friday for a mitzvah purpose. Yalkut Yosef (Shabbat vol 1, pg 48) is lenient not to require one to stipulate if one knows that the captina will not agree to stop the ship on Shabbat. [Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 30:66 seems to agree because he simply doesn’t mention this condition at all.] Kaf HaChaim 248:4 and Menuchat Ahava (vol 1, 1:3) are only lenient where the captain is unwilling to stop if one will miss the opportunity to do that mitzvah. </ref> | * The Rambam ([[Shabbat]] 30:13) rules like Rebbe, while the Tur 248:1 rules like Rabban Shimon Ben Gamliel. S”A 248:1 rules like the Rambam that even when one is traveling for a mitzvah one must make sure to stipulate with that they not travel on [[Shabbat]]. Mishna Brurah 248:3 concludes that if the captain is unwilling to stop for [[Shabbat]] it is still permissible to board the boat Friday for a mitzvah purpose. Yalkut Yosef ([[Shabbat]] vol 1, pg 48) is lenient not to require one to stipulate if one knows that the captina will not agree to stop the ship on [[Shabbat]]. [Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 30:66 seems to agree because he simply doesn’t mention this condition at all.] Kaf HaChaim 248:4 and Menuchat Ahava (vol 1, 1:3) are only lenient where the captain is unwilling to stop if one will miss the opportunity to do that mitzvah. </ref> | ||
# Traveling to Israel even for a temporary visit is a mitzvah (for this halacha) as long as one will walk 4 amot in Israel. <Ref> S”A 248:1 writes that for a mitzvah purpose it’s permitted to board the boat on Friday. The S”A 248:4 gives making Aliyah (moving to Israel) as an example of a mitzvah. Mishna Brurah 248:28 writes that according to some this is only a mitzvah when one moves to Israel with intent to live there while others hold that it’s a mitzvah even to simply walk 4 amot in Israel. Mishna Brurah concludes that according to the Rama (see later) then certainly one can be lenient according to the second opinion. Kaf HaChaim 248:45 seems to agree with the second opinion. </ref> This is all on condition that the crew is non-Jewish and majority of the passengers are non-Jewish (see above). | # Traveling to [[Israel]] even for a temporary visit is a mitzvah (for this halacha) as long as one will walk 4 [[amot]] in [[Israel]]. <Ref> S”A 248:1 writes that for a mitzvah purpose it’s permitted to board the boat on Friday. The S”A 248:4 gives making Aliyah (moving to [[Israel]]) as an example of a mitzvah. Mishna Brurah 248:28 writes that according to some this is only a mitzvah when one moves to [[Israel]] with intent to live there while others hold that it’s a mitzvah even to simply walk 4 [[amot]] in [[Israel]]. Mishna Brurah concludes that according to the Rama (see later) then certainly one can be lenient according to the second opinion. Kaf HaChaim 248:45 seems to agree with the second opinion. </ref> This is all on condition that the crew is non-Jewish and majority of the passengers are non-Jewish (see above). | ||
# According to Ashkenazim, traveling for business is a sufficient reason to permit boarding a boat on Friday. However, according to Sephardim this isn’t sufficient reason. <Ref> | # According to Ashkenazim, traveling for business is a sufficient reason to permit boarding a boat on Friday. However, according to Sephardim this isn’t sufficient reason. <Ref> | ||
* The Rama 248:4 writes that traveling for business or to see a friend is considered a mitzvah for this purpose. Mishna Brurah 238:34 writes that it’s permissible for business even if one already has money. Mishna Brurah 248:36 adds that if the minhag is not to leave to travel by boat for business on Friday then one shouldn’t be lenient because some poskim disagree with the Rama that it’s only permissible for an actual mitzvah. Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 30:66 rules like the Rama regarding traveling for business. | * The Rama 248:4 writes that traveling for business or to see a friend is considered a mitzvah for this purpose. Mishna Brurah 238:34 writes that it’s permissible for business even if one already has money. Mishna Brurah 248:36 adds that if the minhag is not to leave to travel by boat for business on Friday then one shouldn’t be lenient because some poskim disagree with the Rama that it’s only permissible for an actual mitzvah. Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 30:66 rules like the Rama regarding traveling for business. | ||
* However, the Kaf HaChaim 248:52 quotes a number of opinions who disagree with the Rama. Yalkut Yosef (Shabbat vol 1, pg 48) also seems to hold that one shouldn’t rely on the Rama. </ref> | * However, the Kaf HaChaim 248:52 quotes a number of opinions who disagree with the Rama. Yalkut Yosef ([[Shabbat]] vol 1, pg 48) also seems to hold that one shouldn’t rely on the Rama. </ref> | ||
== | ==Sources== | ||
<references/> | <references/> | ||
[[Category:Shabbat]] | |||
{{Shabbat Table}} | |||
Latest revision as of 11:02, 9 October 2024
 | This article is good. |
Is it permissible to take a cruise over Shabbat?
- According to Ashkenazim, some authorities forbid boarding a ship that will travel on Shabbat unless one boards the boat during the first three days of the week (Sunday through Tuesday), however, many poskim permit boarding on Friday since cruises today are calm and don't detract from oneg Shabbat. According to Sephardim, many authorities hold that one may not board a boat within 3 days of Shabbat, meaning, preferably during the first three days of the week and if that’s not possible then even on Wednesday. However, some say that one is permitted to board a cruise/boat even on Friday.[1] This is all on condition that the captain and crew are non-Jewish and that a majority of the passengers are non-Jewish. [2]
- If the ship is owned by Jews, consult your local Rabbi. [3]
Boarding the boat on Shabbat
- It is forbidden to board a boat on Shabbat if it will travel on Shabbat even for mitzvah purposes. [4]
Leaving the boat on Shabbat
- If the boat arrives to its destination on Shabbat one should try to stay on the boat until after Shabbat, however, if one is unable to do so, one may not carry his belongings (even his passport) with him off the boat rather one should ask a non-Jew to carry his belonging for him. [5]
Traveling by boat for business
- If one is traveling for the purpose of a mitzvah it is permissible to board the ship on Friday. Many Sephardic authorities hold that one must stipulate with the captain that the ship shouldn’t travel on Shabbat and then even if the captain does continue on Shabbat it’s permissible, while Ashkenazic and some Sephardic authorities hold that one doesn’t need to stipulate if one knows that the captain will not agree. [6]
- Traveling to Israel even for a temporary visit is a mitzvah (for this halacha) as long as one will walk 4 amot in Israel. [7] This is all on condition that the crew is non-Jewish and majority of the passengers are non-Jewish (see above).
- According to Ashkenazim, traveling for business is a sufficient reason to permit boarding a boat on Friday. However, according to Sephardim this isn’t sufficient reason. [8]
Sources
- ↑
- The Gemara Shabbat 19a quotes the Briatta which states that one may not board a boat in order to travel on Shabbat unless one got on before 3 days before Shabbat (whether or not this includes Wednesday will be addressed later).
- Raavan (Teshuvot 60) and Rabbenu Chananel (Shabbat 19a) explain the reason that it is forbidden to board a boat within 3 days of Shabbat is because of a violation of techumin.
- Ri (Tosfot Eruvin 43a) holds that boarding a boat within 3 days of Shabbat is forbidden since it is similar to swimming, which chazal forbade since he might make a raft.
- Ramban (Milchamot Hashem Shabbat 7b) explains that the reason for the prohibition is because the non-Jews are going to have to do melacha for him on Shabbat.
- Rif (Shabbat 7a-b) explains that the reason for this restriction is that if one boards a boat within 3 days of Shabbat it will negatively impact the passenger’s oneg Shabbat (enjoyment of Shabbat), however, if it’s started earlier the passengers will get used to it and be able to enjoy Shabbat. The Rif adds that if the boat will travel lower than 10 Tefachim (to the ground of the river) there could be a violation of leaving the Techum and in such a case one wouldn’t be able to leave any day of the week. The Rosh (Shabbat 1:38) and Rambam (Shabbat 30:13) agree with this reason.
- However, Baal HaMoer (on Rif) explains that the reason that one may not board a boat close to Shabbat is because it is likely that there will be life threatening danger which will necessitate a violation of Shabbat. However, when one enters the boat before 3 days before Shabbat, there’s no issue because the obligation to prepare not to violate Shabbat even for life threatening danger doesn’t begin since the beginning of the week is not considered relevant to the upcoming Shabbat (Mishna Brurah’s introduction to 248 and Mishna Brurah 248:8).
- The Bet Yosef 248:1 writes that according to the Baal HaMoer it seems that it would be forbidden to board the boat on Wednesday because Gemara Gittin 77a says that Sunday through Tuesday is part of the previous Shabbat and Wednesday to Friday is connected to the upcoming Shabbat. Then the Bet Yosef infers from the Rosh that it is permissible to board the boat on Wednesday. Mishna Brurah 248:8 writes that this question of whether Wednesday is a major dispute between the Magen Avraham who forbids and the Gra who permits and Mishna Brurah leaves it unresolved. Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 30:66 is strict only to allow entering the boat before Wednesday. Kaf HaChaim 248:7 writes that preferably one should be strict not to board on Wednesday but if it’s not possible one can be lenient. Menuchat Ahava (vol 1, 1:1-2) is lenient to permit entering on Wednesday unless it’s definite that there will be a violation of Shabbat (because life threatening situations).
- Menuchat Ahava (vol 1, 1:2) writes that nowadays since the boats are calmer and it’s less likely that it will ruin one’s oneg Shabbat it’s permissible to board the boat on Friday. Rabbi Yisrael Belsky (OU Kosher Webcast, December 2011, min 3-9) says that nowadays the minhag is to be lenient and there is what to rely on. Rav Elyashiv (Hilchot Shabbat Bshabbato v. 1 ch. 2 fnt. 8) agrees. However, Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 30:66 rules that trips for vacation may only board the ship on the first three days of the week even nowadays. (Rav Herschel Schachter (min 77) seems to agree.) VeDaber Davar (Rav Shmuel Pinchasi, 1:25), Chut Sheni (Rav Nassim Karlitz, vol 1, pg 72), and Daily Halacha by Rabbi Mansour agree with Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata. Similarly, Yalkut Yosef (Shabbat vol 1, pg 48) argues that one should not be lenient unless one frequently travels by boat and isn’t bothered by the travel.
- ↑
- Menuchat Ahava (vol 1, 1:2) writes that if the crew or captain is Jewish and will work on Shabbat it’s forbidden to board the boat any day of the week. Yalkut Yosef (Shabbat, vol 1, pg 48), Sh”t Yechave Daat 6:16, and VeDaber Davar (Rav Shmuel Pinchasi 1:22) agree.
- Menuchat Ahava (vol 1, 1:2) writes that it is only permissible if a majority of the passengers are non-Jewish, otherwise, the crew is working on Shabbat for the benefit of Jewish and would be forbidden (as Amirah LeNochri). Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 30:66 (and note 221) adds if the ship travels on a schedule and would travel with or without passengers then it would be permissible even if there’s a majority of Jews, but if without the Jewish passengers they would cancel the trip it would be forbidden.
- ↑ Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 33:66 (not 222) writes that one should consult a Rabbi. See also http://www.yeshiva.org.il/ask/eng/?id=5290 who expressly forbids if it's owned by Jews.
- ↑ Menuchat Ahava (vol 1, 1:4) forbids boarding a boat which will begin to travel on Shabbat even for the purposes of a mitzvah. Mishna Brurah 248:2 writes that it's forbidden to board a boat which will begin to travel on Shabbat but if it's for mitzvah purposes there's a dispute whether it is permissible.
- ↑ Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 30:67, Yalkut Yosef (vol 1, pg 53)
- ↑
- The Briatta in Gemara Shabbat 19a writes that for a mitzvah purpose it’s permitted to board the boat on Friday and Rebbe holds that one must stipulate with the captain that he will not travel on Shabbat and then even if the captain afterwards does continue to travel on Shabbat it’s permitted, while Rabban Shimon Ben Gamliel argues that one isn’t obligated to do so.
- The Rambam (Shabbat 30:13) rules like Rebbe, while the Tur 248:1 rules like Rabban Shimon Ben Gamliel. S”A 248:1 rules like the Rambam that even when one is traveling for a mitzvah one must make sure to stipulate with that they not travel on Shabbat. Mishna Brurah 248:3 concludes that if the captain is unwilling to stop for Shabbat it is still permissible to board the boat Friday for a mitzvah purpose. Yalkut Yosef (Shabbat vol 1, pg 48) is lenient not to require one to stipulate if one knows that the captina will not agree to stop the ship on Shabbat. [Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 30:66 seems to agree because he simply doesn’t mention this condition at all.] Kaf HaChaim 248:4 and Menuchat Ahava (vol 1, 1:3) are only lenient where the captain is unwilling to stop if one will miss the opportunity to do that mitzvah.
- ↑ S”A 248:1 writes that for a mitzvah purpose it’s permitted to board the boat on Friday. The S”A 248:4 gives making Aliyah (moving to Israel) as an example of a mitzvah. Mishna Brurah 248:28 writes that according to some this is only a mitzvah when one moves to Israel with intent to live there while others hold that it’s a mitzvah even to simply walk 4 amot in Israel. Mishna Brurah concludes that according to the Rama (see later) then certainly one can be lenient according to the second opinion. Kaf HaChaim 248:45 seems to agree with the second opinion.
- ↑
- The Rama 248:4 writes that traveling for business or to see a friend is considered a mitzvah for this purpose. Mishna Brurah 238:34 writes that it’s permissible for business even if one already has money. Mishna Brurah 248:36 adds that if the minhag is not to leave to travel by boat for business on Friday then one shouldn’t be lenient because some poskim disagree with the Rama that it’s only permissible for an actual mitzvah. Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 30:66 rules like the Rama regarding traveling for business.
- However, the Kaf HaChaim 248:52 quotes a number of opinions who disagree with the Rama. Yalkut Yosef (Shabbat vol 1, pg 48) also seems to hold that one shouldn’t rely on the Rama.
