Traveling hazards and restrictions-Part 1-The dangers & When to travel

Traveling hazards and restrictions:

A. Danger during travel:[1] [Talmud]

All travel involves some level of danger. Accordingly, it is customary to receive a blessing from the leaders of the city prior to travel, as explained in F.

B. Causes weakness and loss of energy:[2] [Talmud/Achronim]

Travel weakens a person’s energy.

C. When to travel:[3] [Talmud/Tzavah Rebbe Yehuda Hachassid/Shulchan Aruch Harav/Achronim]

Auspicious and non-auspicious days of the month to travel:[4] The following days of the month are auspicious for traveling: 2, 4, 9, 11, 15, 16, 19, 21, 27, 29. The following days of the month are not auspicious for traveling: 1, 3, 25. [Practically, however, the custom is to no longer be particular in this matter, and Shomer Pesaim Hashem.[5]]

The weekday:[6] One should only travel on Tuesdays and arrive home on Tuesday, which is a day that G-d referred to as “Ki Tov.”

Daytime versus Nighttime:[7] One should only travel by the time of Ki Tov [which is daytime].[8] This means that one should only begin traveling in the morning after sunrise and finish his traveling for the day by sunset. However, one should avoid traveling during nighttime.[9] However, if he is already near his city of residence then he may continue traveling even at night if he is not alone.[10] [Practically, in today’s times the custom is to permit traveling at night.[11]]

Traveling Erev Shabbos and Erev Yom Tov:[12] Some warn against traveling on Erev Shabbos and Erev Yom Tov due to fear of demons and evil spirits.

Traveling after Yom Tov:[13] Some warn against traveling immediately after a holiday due to fear of demons and evil spirits.

Traveling on Saturday night:[14] Some warn against traveling on Saturday night.

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[1] Yerushalmi Brachos 4:4; Sefer Shemiras Haguf Vihanefesh [Lerner] 92:1-2

[2] Gittin 70a; Kaf Hachaim Y.D. 116:90

[3] Sefer Shemiras Haguf Vihanefesh [Lerner] 92:4

[4] Azharos Nosafos Tzavah Rebbe Yehuda Hachassid 15; Shevet Mussar 31; Nefesh Chaim Mareches Yud 24; Sefer Zechira; Shemiras Hnefesh 42; Shulchan Chaiy 38:1; Sefer Shemiras Haguf Vihanefesh [Lerner] 93; see there footnote 2 for various opinions in this matter and different days that are recorded

[5] See Avnei Tzedek Y.D. 44

[6] Chesed Lealafim 110; Kemach Soles 110:2; Kaf Hachaim O.C. 110:30

[7] See Admur 110:9 “When one enters a city to lodge in it for the night, he should arrive in the city by Ki Tov, and leave the city by Ki Tov”; Pesachim 2a; Taanis 10b; Bava Kama 72; Kaf Hachaim 110:28

[8] Admur 110:9; M”A 110:10; Pesachim 2a; Taanis 10b; Bava Kama 72

[9] Admur ibid; P”M 110 A”A 10; M”B 110:28

The reason: As one may fall into an empty pit in the dark. [Admur ibid; M”A ibid; Tosafus Pesachim 2a]

[10] Admur ibid; M”A 110:10; M”B 110:28

The reason: As one is aware of all the pits in the outskirts of his city and knows to beware from them. [Admur ibid; M”A ibid; Tosafus Pesachim 2a] If, however, he is alone then he may not travel at night due to the danger of damaging forces. [Admur ibid]

[11] Shearim Hametzuyanim Behalacha 68:4

[12] Kol Bo 118; Sefer Shemiras Haguf Vihanefesh [Lerner] 92:5

[13] Kol Bo 118; Midrash Pinchas 28 of Rav Pinchas of Koretz; Shemira Meialya 30; Sefer Shemiras Haguf Vihanefesh [Lerner] 92:5

[14] Midrash Pinchas 28 of Rav Pinchas of Koretz; Shemira Meialya 30; Sefer Shemiras Haguf Vihanefesh [Lerner] 92:5