Fitness Q&A

Is it permissible to attend a soccer game? I know it's supposedly a place without benefit, and I understand it's a waste of time and frivolity in some form of viewing, but on the other hand, just as it's permissible to attend a wedding because of the mitzvah of celebrating with the bride but forbidden to attend a regular party - perhaps the same applies here? Maybe it depends on the admiration of the team players, and only in such a case is it forbidden to attend?

Greetings and blessings. The mitzvah to bring joy to a bride and groom as they fulfill the most important mitzvah of establishing a faithful home in Israel has no connection to encouraging players who spend their time kicking after a poor ball. One should not go to places that are essentially for wasting time without any benefit, and of course this doesn't refer to young people playing at school. Admiration should be for those who serve their Creator, who should serve as our example, not for someone chasing after a ball.

My question concerns sports classes held for women only. The instructor is a woman, and the place includes only women, is it permissible to exercise wearing only pants?

Greetings and blessings. It is permissible to exercise with pants in this case.

I registered for a gym that has only women. Can I wear a shirt with short sleeves (above the elbow) there? After all, there are only women and female instructors there. And in general, is the obligation of modesty also when there are only women in the room?Greetings and blessings. When necessary, it is permissible to wear short clothes when there are no men. But without such a need, one should practice modesty even in places where there are no men, out of respect for the Divine Presence.

Dear Hidabroot website, hello. I am 14 years old, and I want to become religious. But I play soccer in a professional team, and I want both this and that. Please help me.

Greetings and blessings! There is no need for you to abandon soccer now. You should begin to learn the commandments of the Torah and fulfill what you learn, all without preventing you from practicing with the ball - as long as you don't violate Shabbat through games. And with Hashem's help, you will succeed in getting closer to the Creator as per your good desire. Be well.

Is it permissible for a woman to go to a fitness center, even if she is not married?

It is permissible, if the gym is for women only.

(The answers were given by Rabbi Menashe Israel and Rabbi Benjamin Shmuel, collected and edited from the Q&A section on the Hidabroot website)