Recreation on Shabbat: Difference between revisions

==Taking a Walk==

# It is permitted to walk around on Shabbat for pleasure.<ref>Rama 301:2</ref> Even if one's intention is to walk for exercise it is permitted since it isn't clear that one is doing so for exercise, though some poskim are strict about this.<ref>Mishna Brurah 301:7</ref>

# One should not run or even take big steps on [[Shabbat]]. <ref> Rama 301:1, Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata 29:4 </ref>

# One may run because of the rain, a fear, or another extreme need. <ref>Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata 29:5. Midrash Rabba (Devarim 18) implies that one shouldn't run on Shabbat even because of the rain. Shevet Halevi 1:58 explains that the reason running is general forbidden unless it is a mitzvah is because someone who is running looks like he is doing something for his personal gain and business as he would do during the week. However, if he's caught in the rain it is permitted to run since it is evident that one is doing so for a specific permitted purpose.</ref>

# It's permissible to run for the purpose of a mitzvah such as running to shul for [[davening]] or learning. <Ref>Shulchan Aruch 301:1, Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata 29:7 </ref>

# It is forbidden to exercise on Shabbat.<Ref>Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata 34:22 based on Shulchan Aruch 328:42</ref>

# It is forbidden to use fitness equipment for exercising. However, it is permitted to use a hand fitness tool even if one is doing so to avoid pain or minimize them.<ref>Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata 34:22</ref>

# One may do breathing and speech exercises if one began the therapy before Shabbat and one needs to do so every day.<ref>Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata 34:23</ref>

# It is forbidden to swim on Shabbat in a river, ocean, or pool.<ref>The Mishna (Beitzah 36b) establishes that it is forbidden to swim on Shabbat. The gemara explains that it is a rabbinic gezerah so that on Shabbat a person doesn't make a raft that floats in the water. The Gemara Shabbat 40b clarifies that this only applies to swimming in a body of water without a lip. However, if there's an edge to the pool it is permitted. Rashi (41a s.v. de'eyt) explains that the lip makes it permitted since everyone will know that it isn't similar to a river and the gezerah wouldn't apply. The Rif (Shabbat 18b) differs in his explanation; he understood that reason a pool would look like a river is true when water splashes out of the pool, but if there's a lip that keeps the water in the pot there's no gezerah. The Shulchan Aruch 339:2 codifies the Mishna Beitzah and accepts the explanation of the Rif. Therefore, in terms of the gezerah not to swim on Shabbat it would apply to an ocean, river, or pool which doesn't have a lip that keeps the water in from splashing out.  

* Mishna Brurah 339:4 adds an important point. If the pool is outside in a public domain it is certainly forbidden to swim in that pool since the water will move because of his movements, which is considered carrying.