Gavin Howe
Shabbat is a day of rest in Judaism, and Jewish law sets limits on how far one can walk. According to Torah law, a person must stay within 2,000 cubits (approximately 0.6 miles) of their base location, known as the makom shvisa. This area is called the techum shabbat, and it is calculated by measuring 2,000 cubits in every direction from a person's location when Shabbat begins. This limit can be extended by another 2,000 cubits in one direction using an eruv techumin. However, it is prohibited to go beyond one's city limits, and one should not overly exert themselves or perform tasks on Shabbat, as it is a day of rest.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Maximum walking range | 2,000 cubits (3,049.5 feet, 0.596 miles, 960 meters) |
| Starting point | 70 2/3 cubits (112.24 ft.) from the city limits |
| Maximum straight-line distance | 0.598 miles (3161.74 ft.) |
| "City limits" | Defined by the distance between houses |
| "Makom shvisa" | A person's home or another chosen location |
| "Techum shabbos" | The area within a 2,000 amos (0.6-mile) radius |
| Eruv techumin | Extends the limit by an additional 2,000 cubits in one direction |
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What You'll Learn
- The limit is 2,000 cubits (3,049.5 feet or 0.596 miles) from your city
- The limit is 1 kilometre (0.6 miles) from your home
- You can extend the limit by placing food for two meals at the 2,000-cubit mark
- The limit is not from your home if you are outside your city when Shabbat begins
- The limit is based on a verse in Exodus
The limit is 2,000 cubits (3,049.5 feet or 0.596 miles) from your city
According to Jewish law, specifically the Torah, there are specific guidelines regarding how far one can walk on Shabbat. One of the primary restrictions relates to an ancient unit of measurement called a "cubit." The relevant Torah law states that you are limited to traveling up to 2,000 cubits beyond the boundaries of your city on Shabbat. This law is derived from the interpretation of biblical sources and is designed to ensure that individuals do not inadvertently violate the prohibition against traveling beyond a certain distance on the Sabbath.
Now, a cubit is an ancient unit of length, roughly equivalent to the length of a person's arm from the tip of the middle finger to the elbow. It was used in ancient times and is mentioned in the Torah and other ancient texts. In modern terms, one cubit is approximately 1.5 feet or 0.46 meters. So, when we talk about 2,000 cubits, we are essentially talking about a distance of 3,000 feet or just under a mile.
Specifically, 2,000 cubits equate to 3,049.5 feet or 0.596 miles. This distance, according to Torah law, is how far you are permitted to walk or travel beyond the boundaries of your city on Shabbat. It's important to note that this limit is based on ancient understandings of geography and urban boundaries. In ancient times, a "city" often referred to an enclosed settlement with clear boundaries, and the distance was measured from the edge of that settlement.
So, in modern times, determining what constitutes a "city" and its boundaries can be a bit more complex. Jewish legal scholars and rabbis have offered various interpretations and guidelines to help individuals apply this law in a practical manner. Some suggest measuring 2,000 cubits from the edge of one's neighborhood or the boundary of one's urban municipality. Others suggest measuring from the location of the city's Shabbat boundaries, which are often marked and agreed upon by the local Jewish community.
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The limit is 1 kilometre (0.6 miles) from your home
According to Torah law, the limit for how far one can walk on Shabbat is 1 kilometre (0.6 miles) from one's home. This is based on the interpretation of the Torah's commandment that "each man shall stay put, and not leave his place on the seventh day" (Exodus 16:29). The limit is known as the "techum shabbat" in Hebrew and is calculated by measuring 2,000 cubits or approximately 1 kilometre in every direction from one's location at the start of Shabbat.
It's important to note that this limit is not a law from God but a creation of Jewish religious teachers. The Babylonian Talmud considers it a rabbinic law, while the Jerusalem Talmud suggests that venturing beyond 12 miles is Biblically forbidden.
The concept of "makom shvisa" or "dwelling place" also comes into play. Usually, one's home is considered the makom shvisa, but it can be changed by declaring another place as one's dwelling, as long as it is within the techum for that place. This allows for some flexibility when necessary.
Additionally, the eruv techumin procedure can extend the limit by another 2,000 cubits in one direction. By placing food for two meals at the initial 2,000-cubit mark, one can establish a new home base and effectively double the distance they can cover. However, it's important to remember that this extension only applies in one direction, and one cannot go beyond their starting point in the opposite direction.
While these laws and procedures can be complex, they provide a framework for Jews to honour Shabbat while still enjoying the simple pleasure of a walk, connecting with friends and family, and slowing down from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
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You can extend the limit by placing food for two meals at the 2,000-cubit mark
According to Jewish law, the maximum walking range from one's city is 2,000 cubits, which is equivalent to 3,049.5 feet or 0.596 miles. This limit is based on the idea of keeping the Shabbat holy, which involves refraining from device-driven means of transportation and not overly exerting oneself.
Now, let's discuss the strategy of placing food for two meals at the 2,000-cubit mark to extend this limit. This approach is based on the concept of the makom shvisa, which is the base location from which the 2,000-cubit radius, known as the techum shabbos, is measured. By placing food for two meals at a specific location, one can designate that spot as their temporary makom shvisa, thereby extending their permissible walking distance.
In the example of Mr. Cohen, he stopped 750 meters away from his destination, waited until sunset, and then proceeded to walk to the synagogue. By doing so, he established that location as his makom shvisa for the Shabbat, allowing him to walk to the synagogue without exceeding the techum shabbos.
This strategy can be particularly useful for those who wish to attend a synagogue or participate in Shabbat activities that are located just outside the usual 2,000-cubit limit. By planning ahead and designating a new makom shvisa, one can ensure they are complying with the Torah's guidelines while still being able to attend their desired location.
Additionally, it's worth noting that the 2,000-cubit distance has significant roots in the Torah and the history of the Israelites. This distance was mentioned in the Torah when the Israelites had to place their tents at a distance of 2,000 cubits from the Tabernacle while they were camped in the wilderness. Furthermore, it was the distance that Jesus journeyed to the Temple to preach, as mentioned in the book of John.
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The limit is not from your home if you are outside your city when Shabbat begins
The Shabbat is a weekly day of rest in Judaism. It is typically observed from sunset on Friday to the appearance of three stars in the sky on Saturday night. During this period, Jews are prohibited from engaging in work or activities that are considered laborious or that involve the use of certain technologies. This includes driving, biking, and other device-driven means of transportation. As a result, many people choose to walk to their synagogues or places of worship. However, even walking has its limits according to Torah Law.
The Torah states in sefer Shemos that every person must stay in their place on Shabbat (Exodus 16:29). This has been interpreted to mean that one must stay within a certain distance from their base location, known as the makom shvisa. According to Jewish law, the maximum walking distance from one's city is 2,000 cubits or approximately 0.596 miles (960 meters). This measurement starts 70 2/3 cubits (112.24 ft.) from the city limits. In practical terms, this means that one should not walk a straight line more than 0.598 miles (3161.74 ft.) outside their city limits.
It's important to note that the definition of "city limits" is not based on modern maps but rather on the concept of halachah. According to halachah, contiguous housing is considered part of the same city unless there is more than 70 2/3 cubits (approximately 112 ft.) between houses. This means that, in some cases, one may be permitted to walk from one city to another as long as the entire route is populated.
Now, let's address the specific scenario where one is outside their city when Shabbat begins. In this case, the limit of 2,000 cubits or 0.596 miles is still applicable, but it is calculated from the place where the individual was located when Shabbat started. This place does not have to be their home or residence; it can be any location they occupied at the beginning of Shabbat. For example, if someone is at a cottage or temporary dwelling outside the city when Shabbat commences, their techum (walking limit) is calculated from that location.
Additionally, it's worth noting that the concept of techum (walking limit) applies to cities as well as to individuals. If someone is within the city limits when Shabbat begins, they are allowed to move within the city boundaries. However, they should not go beyond the city limits, as this would violate the principle of keeping Shabbat holy and restful.
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The limit is based on a verse in Exodus
The limit on how far one can walk on Shabbat is based on a verse in Exodus, in which Moses commands the Israelites not to leave their encampment on Shabbat:
> Behold, the Lord has given you the sabbath, therefore He gives you on the sixth day bread for two days; each man shall stay put, and not leave his place on the seventh day. (Exodus 16:29)
This verse is interpreted as a commandment to stay within a certain distance from one's home on Shabbat, known as the "techum shabbat". The techum shabbat is typically understood to be 2,000 cubits (approximately 1 kilometre or 0.6 miles) in every direction from one's location at the beginning of Shabbat. This interpretation is supported by various rabbinic sources, including the Shulchan Aruch and the Babylonian Talmud.
However, it is important to note that there are different opinions and interpretations regarding the exact limit and the application of this rule. For example, the Jerusalem Talmud suggests that while the limit of 2,000 cubits is rabbinic, venturing a distance of over 12 mil (approximately 12 miles) is Biblically forbidden.
The concept of the techum shabbat also includes the idea of a "makom shvisa" or "base location", which is usually considered to be one's home. However, it is possible to change this base location by declaring a different "dwelling place", as long as it is within the techum of one's original location. Additionally, by placing food for two meals at the 2,000-cubit mark, one can extend the limit for an additional 2,000 cubits in one direction, using a procedure known as "eruv techumin".
Within one's city, one may walk as far as they like, but it is important not to go outside the city limits on Shabbat.
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Frequently asked questions
According to Torah law, a person can walk a maximum of 2,000 cubits (3,049.5 feet or 0.596 miles) from their city. This measurement starts 70 2/3 cubits (approximately 112 feet) from the city limits.
The Torah states in sefer Shemos that every person must stay in their place on Shabbat (Exodus 16:29). This rule was further interpreted by Jewish religious teachers, who specified the distance as 2,000 cubits.
Yes, by placing food for two meals at the 2,000-cubit mark before Shabbat, you can extend your limit by another 2,000 cubits in one direction using a procedure called eruv techumin.
