Question: We were invited to friends out of town for Shabbos, though our hosts
told us that we weren’t allowed to travel on Friday afternoon. Is that right?
Answer: Rambam (Shabbos 30:11) writes that one
mustn’t travel more than 3 parsa (approximately 7.5 miles) on Friday as their
hosts (or own family) may not have had enough time to prepare for them. The Shulchan
Aruch (OC 249:1) writes that if one is expected and no further preparations are
needed, however, then they may travel further.
The Shulchan Aruch Harav (OC 249:3) and R’
Ovadia Yosef (Yabia Omer 2 OC 14:6) write
that this limit applies to one walking. One travelling by other means has as
long as it takes to walk this distance, or 3 hours and 36 minutes (See Shulchan
Aruch OC 459:2).
The Mishna
Berura (249:3) writes that while many aren’t as concerned about this halacha
nowadays, we need to ensure not to arrive too close to Shabbos. Likewise, R’
Yehoshua Neuwirth (Shemiras Shabbos Kehilchasa 42:24) writes that as travelling
late in the afternoon may lead to chilul Shabbos, one should plan to
arrive in good time before Shabbos and prepare for any eventuality.
In conclusion, one
should avoid travelling on erev Shabbos unless is one is sure that they
will arrive in good time before Shabbos.
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