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Train on Shabbos

Hi is one allowed to take a train on Shabbos provided he pays for the ticket beforehand and doesn’t use any electricity to get aboard? What makes it different from a cruise?

Answer:

It is not generally permitted to take a train on Shabbos, and this can only be permitted on an individual basis and depending on the specific case.

Please see sources.

Best wishes.

Sources:

The problems related to taking a train on Shabbos are the following:

1. Traveling beyond the Shabbos boundary (techum).

2. Carrying the ticket onto the train (depends on there being an Eruv) and using it in a prohibited means.

3. Possibly leading other Jews astray in their keeping of Shabbos.

4. Belittling the Shabbos atmosphere.

These points do not apply to a cruise (the techumin point is part of the Talmudic discussion concerning leaving for a cruise before Shabbos).

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