Mitzvah —
90
Not to walk more than 2000 cubits outside the city boundary on Shabbat
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רְא֗וּ כִּֽי־יְהֹוָה֮ נָתַ֣ן לָכֶ֣ם הַשַּׁבָּת֒ עַל־כֵּ֠ן ה֣וּא נֹתֵ֥ן לָכֶ֛ם בַּיּ֥וֹם הַשִּׁשִּׁ֖י לֶ֣חֶם יוֹמָ֑יִם שְׁב֣וּ ׀ אִ֣ישׁ תַּחְתָּ֗יו אַל־יֵ֥צֵא אִ֛ישׁ מִמְּקֹמ֖וֹ בַּיּ֥וֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִֽי׃ - פָּרָשַׁת בְּשַׁלַּח
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Exodus 16:29 - "See that the Lord has given you the Sabbath. Therefore, on the sixth day, He gives you bread for two days. Let each man remain in his place; let no man leave his place on the seventh day."
This Mitzvah's Summary
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Shabbat – שַׁבָּת
It is forbidden on Shabbat to travel more than 2,000 cubits (approximately 3000 ft.) out of a city's parameters.
This mitzvah prohibits leaving one’s designated Shabbat boundary, traditionally defined as 2000 cubits (approximately 1 km) beyond the city limits. The restriction preserves the sanctity of Shabbat as a day of rest, keeping Jews rooted in their community rather than engaging in travel or work-like activities. This law reinforces the spiritual atmosphere of Shabbat, ensuring it remains centered on holiness, prayer, and community.
Commentary & Classical Explanation:
- Rambam (Hilchot Shabbat 27:1): States that going beyond 2000 cubits outside the inhabited area on Shabbat is forbidden.
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 24): Explains that Shabbat is intended for spiritual rest and reflection, not journeys that distract from its purpose.
- Talmud (Eruvin 17b): Derives the measure of 2000 cubits from biblical sources, establishing the halachic techum.
Commentaries
(Source: Chabad.org)
