Taking a cruise over Shabbat: Difference between revisions

* 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. 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 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 wouldn’t 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>