Travelling on Erev Shabbos
On Erev Shabbos the Shulchan Aruch rules that one should not travel a trip of more than 3 Parsaos. This translates to approximately a 4-hour journey. This is in order to have arrive with adequate time to prepare for Shabbos. However, if one is already prepared or someone else will be taking care of the Shabbos preparations, this ruling does not apply.
Nonetheless, when travelling on Erev Shabbos (including day trips) one should leave enough time to reach their destination, allowing extra time for unforeseeable delays, accidents or traffic. This is especially true with air travel. One should schedule to arrive well before Shabbos, to allow one to prepare and also to rest from the journey before Shabbos comes in.
Shabbos Times
When spending Shabbos away, even if one is only travelling a few hours in any direction, the Shabbos times at their location will be different to those in Melbourne. In advance of Shabbos, one should check the Shabbos times for using the exact coordinates of their holiday destination. This can be done online.
Hotel Issues
Modern-day hotels present a range of Shabbos complications. These include the use of magnetic keys to open the door and sensor-operated lights and air-conditioners. When booking a hotel to stay for Shabbos, one should enquire about these features in advance and choose a hotel that will not have these questions, or to find out if they can be over-ridden.
One is not allowed to put themselves Lechatchila in a situation which will necessitate asking a non-Jew to do things on their behalf. Bedieved, if one has already booked accommodation which has any of these features, one should discuss with their Rov how to navigate the issue over Shabbos.
Remember to disable to fridge light before Shabbos.
Shabbos Clothes
Wearing special Shabbos clothing is part of the Mitzvah from the Neviim of Kovod Shabbos. Even when one is away on holiday in a more relaxed environment, they should still be careful to wear Shabbos clothing. This includes children as well.
Shabbos food
The Mitzvah of Oneg Shabbos includes eating good foods. Shabbos foods should be ‘choshuv’ and should include cooked dishes (not just cold foods and bread and dips). One should also ensure to have hot foods for Shabbos, especially for Shabbos day.
Sunscreen
On Shabbos, one may not apply and smear thick creams. This would violate the Melacha of Memamreiach. Thin liquids or oils may be applied. Likewise, one may use liquid pump-sprays and liquid roll-ons. According to those authorities who permit the use of aerosols on Shabbos, one may also use spray-on sunscreen.
Sunbathing and tanning
There is a Machlokes amongst the Poskim whether one is allowed to suntan on Shabbos. The Minchas Yitzchak rules that one may not sunbathe on Shabbos. He presents a number of Halachic concerns; It is like dying one’s skin akin to the applying of make-up which is forbidden because of Tzoveia. It may also be considered an act of Tikkun. He also writes that when it gets very hot, sunbathing is uncomfortable and one is not allowed to put themselves into a position of discomfort on Shabbos. He also writes that this may lead to using forbidden creams.
The Poskim also write that sunbathing is not in the spirit of Shabbos. The Chelkas Yaakov also rules that one may not sunbathe on Shabbos. Other Poskim are lenient and allow one to sunbathe if they are doing so for enjoyment. Doing it for the express purpose of colouring the skin remains forbidden. Sunbathing for Refuah is forbidden.
According to all opinions one may walk or sit outdoors sun without intending to sunbathe.
After-sun treatments
One may not apply after-sun or other treatments to a sunburn on Shabbos as this is considered to be an act of Refuah. If one is badly sunburned and is in extreme pain, they may apply a permissible spray or liquid oil. Thick creams may not be used.
Insect Repellent
One may apply insect repellent on Shabbos if it is in liquid or spray form. Even though it creates a fragrance, since one’s intention is to get rid of the bugs and the fragrance smells bad, there is not concern. Spraying insecticide directly on bugs is forbidden. Even spraying inside the room is questionable.
Sunglasses
If one is in a place where there is no Eiruv, they should not wear sun glasses outdoors. The concern is that one may take them off in a shady area and inadvertently come to carry them. One may wear prescription sunglasses since they will not be taken off. If one is wearing the sunglasses as a fashion accessory, there is room to permit them. If medically required, one may wear sunglasses. Transition lenses may be worn on Shabbos.
Jacket over shoulders
Many Poskim, including Rav Moshe Feinstein, rule that one may not wear their jacket draped over their shoulders on Shabbos. This is because it is not considered ‘wearing’ and therefore would be considered carrying. There is also the concern that it may fall off and one may come to carry it. Many Poskim permit wearing a jacket in this manner. Others suggest that whilst technically permitted, one should be careful in an area that is a Biblical Reshus Harabim.
