Doing a dangerous activity for recreational purposes:[1]
Some Poskim[2] rule that it is forbidden for one to enter himself even into a slight level of danger, for unnecessary purposes, such as for a hobby and recreation. [According to this approach, it should be forbidden to drive, fly, climb a tree, go skydiving, for recreational purposes.] Other Poskim[3], however, prove that it is permitted for one to do any activity which is accepted amongst people of the world to be done even if it carries some risk, and even for merely recreational purposes. [Thus, it is permitted to drive a car, and go flying, and on a cruise, and climb a tree, even for recreational purposes.]
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[1] See Imreiy Yaakov 10 Biurim 6; Shemiras Hanefesh Kehilchasa Chapter 1:4 1; Sefer Shemiras Haguf Vihanefesh [Lerner] Mavo Chapter 2:2
[2] Noda Beyehuda Tinyana Y.D. 10; Shem Aryeh Y.D. 27 ; See Admur 433:32 regarding that one must hire workers to search a mound for Chametz, and may not search with one’s hands being that there is danger of scorpions, even though it is a mere slight danger; Sefer Shemiras Haguf Vihanefesh [Lerner] Mavo Chapter 2:2
[3] Implication of Admur, Tur, in 248 regarding traveling by ship for a Tiyul that only 3 days before Shabbos is there a restriction; Implication of Michaber 531:4 that it is permitted to travel in the Diaspora for Tiyul even from one country to another; Imreiy Yaakov 10 Biurim 6; Implication of Halacha of the four people who need to recite Hagomel, due to having been in areas of danger, hence implying that even initially one may make a dangerous tri that requires him to then say Hagomel; See P”M Pesicha of Hilchos Netilas Yadayim O.C. 157
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