#237: Riding an Animal

1. It is forbidden to ride an animal on Shabbat due to a rabbinic decree that one may come to break off a branch from a tree to use in prodding the animal to move forward. One may also not sit on an animal, such as a horse or donkey, without riding it for the same reason – that one may perhaps need to prod it to move with a branch (Shulchan Aruch, O.C. 305:18 and Mishnah Berurah 305:61-62). This includes sitting in a wagon pulled by an animal (Rema, O.C. 305:18).[EO1]

2. One may not lean heavily on an animal, similar to the rule concerning a tree discussed previously (Shulchan Aruch, O.C. 305:18 and Mishna Berura 305:63). Therefore, one may not place one’s weight on a large dog, even for a few seconds.

To sign up for the daily halacha via WhatsApp or email, click here.

Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for the hostages to be released safely to their families and may everlasting peace come to Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.