Is it permitted to run on Shabbat and Yom Tov?
I like to run to stay in shape.
Thank you.
Hello and welcome
It was said in Isaiah, “And you shall honor the Sabbath, not doing your own affairs.” The sages interpreted that one should not walk on Shabbat as one does during the week, and therefore, running on Shabbat is prohibited.
However, if you enjoy and take pleasure in running, it is permitted to run on Shabbat as well as on Yom Tov.
Regarding running for health and fitness, rabbinic authorities (poskim) disagreed, as the pleasure is not in the act of running itself, but in the benefit that running brings to the person who exerts themselves and runs.
The opinion of Or LeTzion is to allow it, as long as the goal is not to sweat running for medical purposes, but only to maintain physical fitness, such as cardiovascular endurance, etc. However, there are those who disagree, as the pleasure is not in the running itself, but only in the benefit that comes from it.
Therefore, in case of necessity, such as when there is no other convenient time to run, it is permitted to schedule the run for Shabbat. However, beforehand, it is preferable to schedule another time to run and use the time on Shabbat for spiritual activities, such as studying the Torah and similar pursuits, as the time on Shabbat is a special and elevated time, and it is better to use it for spiritual activities.
Wishing you good health.
Rabbi David Ohayon
PLEASE NOTE*
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