Daily Halacha – Important Points for Travelers, 23rd of Sivan 5777
Essential travel guidance for the observant Jew - safety and religious considerations explained
- הלכה יומית / מפסקי מרן
- פורסם ט"ז סיון התשע"ז
#VALUE!
Is a person allowed to put themselves in potential danger?
It is forbidden for a person to put themselves in a dangerous situation, therefore it is forbidden to hitchhike and doing so constitutes a desecration of Hashem's name. Sometimes the driver may be a heretical person, and there can also be issues of modesty.
Jumping from high places, bridges, and cliffs, or hiking into dangerous caves constitutes a danger to life and is forbidden [Shulchan Aruch 427, 10].
Is it permissible to visit Christian churches?
It is forbidden to visit churches even if they are not active [Yabia Omer 2, 11]. However, there is no prohibition against entering a mosque, since Muslims are not considered idolaters, and therefore it is permitted to pray at the Cave of Machpelah, even though there is a mosque there [Yabia Omer 10, 16].
But goodness and kindness – Daily Halacha
