Taking a cruise over Shabbat: Difference between revisions

* The 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, the 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).

* 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. 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 Yachava Daat 6:16, and VeDaber Davar (Rav Shmuel Pinchasi 1:22) agree.