Parshas Pinchos 5785
- Torah Tavlin
- Jul 17
- 2 min read
Monetary, Interpersonal Laws and Din Torah (39)
Travel During the Three Weeks: We began last week to discuss halachos relevant to traveling during the Three Weeks, the period of national mourning set aside for the loss of the Bais HaMikdash. Since this period of mourning takes place after the close of the school year, usually during Bein Hazmanim, many people travel and can become removed from some important aspects of the “Three weeks,” especially the importance of Talmud Torah. Thus, it is appropriate to review some of the halachos and conduct pertaining to Talmud Torah during this season. These concepts apply both to “full-time” learners (Yeshivah bochurim, Kollel Yungerleit) as well as individuals who are "קובע עתים לתורה" (designate time for learning) on a daily basis.
Learning Before and During the Trip. The Eliyahu Raba writes (1) that before going on a trip, one should give tzedaka and learn Torah presumably due to the protective power of Torah study (Eruvin 54a). Each traveler should take along a Siddur and a Sefer (2). During the trip itself, a person should also learn Torah (3) and fulfill the posuk: "ודברת בם ... ובלכתך בדרך". If one is a passenger in a vehicle, he can even learn things that require concentration (עיון) (4), but if he is the driver or a person needed by the driver to help him navigate and the like, he should rather study some easier Torah topic (5), or listen to a Torah tape, and in no way compromise on safety during the trip.
Getting a Beracha. Before going on a trip, one should “ask permission” from his Rebbi (or another Talmid Chacham) (6). This is based on a Gemara in Moed Katan (ט.) and is brought in halacha by the RM’A (7) and M”B (8). What this means is that before a person heads out on a trip, he should inform his Rebbi about his intention to travel in order to receive a blessing for a safe and successful journey. If one cannot do this in person, he can do it over the phone, even if the Rebbi is not in town. If this was not done before the trip it can still be done by phone during the trip (9).
Receiving an Aliyah. It is customary to get an Aliyah before going on a trip (10), no matter if it is for a mitzvah or not. However, this is only a custom and the traveler does not push away one who has some degree of “chiyuv” to get an Aliyah. If his trip is private, he can leave without an Aliyah.