עברית
Halachot and Customs
Is it permitted to join a car ride on Shabbat?
Can a husband ride along while his wife drives on Shabbat?
Question
Hello, is my husband allowed to ride with me in the car on Shabbat, when I am driving the car (he keeps Shabbat)? He is not driving and is not doing anything, just sitting next to me - what is the problem? Thank you very much!!
Answer
Hello, It is forbidden to join a car ride on Shabbat for several reasons: It may be that merely his joining the ride causes the engine to work harder (since additional weight is added to the car), and as a result the car uses more fuel. This is a complete desecration of Shabbat (see Yechaveh Daat, vol. 3, siman 36, beginning with the words therefore; and Ashrei Haish, part 2, chapter 19, section 6. See also Ohr L'Tzion, part 2, page 168, beginning with the words and therefore; and Shmirat Shabbat K'hilchatah, part 2, chapter 43, section 136). It is also forbidden to benefit from an act of desecration of Shabbat (see Shulchan Aruch and Rama, Orach Chaim, siman 318, section 1), and therefore your husband is forbidden to benefit from your desecration of Shabbat. Furthermore, merely joining a car ride on Shabbat constitutes a blatant disrespect for the sanctity and atmosphere of Shabbat (see Shmirat Shabbat K'hilchatah there).
With blessings, Hillel Meirs
