Flying Abroad on the Second Day of Yom Tov
This question and answer were automatically translated using our trained AI and have not yet been reviewed by a qualified rabbi. Please treat this translation with caution.
Go to original →
Question
I need to fly immediately after the holiday of Shavuot for a mission abroad.
A travel agent offered me a flight the day after the holiday, with a layover in Germany in the afternoon and a departure an hour later on a connecting flight.
I noticed that at this time it is still the second day of Yom Tov in Germany, but I am Israeli. Is there a problem with this?
I urgently need a quick answer, as the flight might get booked. Thank you in advance.
Answer
Hello
The general rule is that an Israeli staying abroad must observe the second day of Yom Tov if they are near a Jewish community.
Therefore, you should check if the airport is within the boundary [2000 cubits - about one kilometer] of a place with Jewish residents. If so, you are prohibited from desecrating Yom Tov there, and you will not be able to board the connecting flight, nor perform any work there [such as confirming tickets at a machine, etc.]. However, if there is no Jewish community nearby, the laws of Yom Tov do not apply to you, and you may land and take off from there.
Comments
Have an additional question on this topic or need clarification? Leave your comment below. (Please note that the comment will not be published but will be sent directly to the answering Rabbi for review and a private response)