Halachot and Customs
Is It Permissible to Fly Abroad?
Question
I understood that it is permitted to fly abroad for the purpose of finding a match, earning a livelihood, or for the sake of a mitzvah.
Is it permitted simply to fly in order to enjoy oneself?
I also want to note that my family is going anyway, with me or without me, and I want to join them.
Thank you in advance!
Is it permitted simply to fly in order to enjoy oneself?
I also want to note that my family is going anyway, with me or without me, and I want to join them.
Thank you in advance!
Answer
Peace and greetings,
It is forbidden to leave the Land of Israel for a trip, even when your intention is to return to the Land of Israel (see Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim, siman 531, se'if 4, and Mishnah Berurah, sk 14).
However, if you need mental rest and a change of air, and you feel that you will not be able to achieve this goal in the Land, there is room to permit traveling abroad (see also Responsa Teshuvot Vehanhagot, volume 5, siman 393, and Techumin, volume 20, pages 399-406).
Similarly, there is room to be lenient about leaving the Land for a short time if one is going and intends to see the wonders of nature created by the Creator of the universe, may He be blessed (see Responsa Shevet HaLevi, volume 5, siman 173). Of course, this permission applies only when one is going to see natural wonders unlike any in the Land of Israel, and also on condition that one intends to be moved by the greatness of the Creator of the universe, may He be blessed.
With blessings,
Hillel Meirs
It is forbidden to leave the Land of Israel for a trip, even when your intention is to return to the Land of Israel (see Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim, siman 531, se'if 4, and Mishnah Berurah, sk 14).
However, if you need mental rest and a change of air, and you feel that you will not be able to achieve this goal in the Land, there is room to permit traveling abroad (see also Responsa Teshuvot Vehanhagot, volume 5, siman 393, and Techumin, volume 20, pages 399-406).
Similarly, there is room to be lenient about leaving the Land for a short time if one is going and intends to see the wonders of nature created by the Creator of the universe, may He be blessed (see Responsa Shevet HaLevi, volume 5, siman 173). Of course, this permission applies only when one is going to see natural wonders unlike any in the Land of Israel, and also on condition that one intends to be moved by the greatness of the Creator of the universe, may He be blessed.
With blessings,
Hillel Meirs
