5785/2025
A Message to our Communities: Don't Fly on Yom Tov Sheni
Rabbi Chaim Jachter and Rabbi Chaim Strauchler
It is improper for Jewish residents of diaspora communities to board a flight leaving Israel on the second day of a Jewish holiday, even if they observe only one day in Israel. The opinion that only one day of Yom Tov observance is required reasons that Yom Tov Sheini does not apply when one is in Eretz Yisrael. This idea only applies when one is in Eretz Yisrael. The moment one leaves Eretz Yisrael, the obligation to observe Yom Tov Sheini begins.
The Debate Regarding Yom Tov Sheni for Israeli Visitors
Rav Yosef Karo
Rav Yosef Karo, in his Teshuvot Avkat Rocheil (26), rules that the Mishnah Pesachim’s (50a-b) principle "We impose upon him the restrictions of the location from which he departed and the restrictions of the location where he has arrived" applies to Yom Tov Sheini. He also notes that this was the common practice among the travelers to Israel, "who publicly gather to form minyanim to recite the Yom Tov prayers on Yom Tov Sheini." Later authorities confirm that this was the accepted practice in Israel (see Teshuvot Halachot Ketanot 4 and Birkei Yosef 496:7), and most authorities rule that a visitor from the Diaspora in Israel must keep two days of Yom Tov (Mishnah Berurah 496:13, Pe'at Hashulchan 2:15, and Teshuvot Igrot Moshe, Orach Chaim 3:74 and 4:108). The Avkat Rocheil and Pe'at Hashulchan note the practice of publicly conducting Yom Tov services on Yom Tov Sheini.
The Chacham Tzvi
Rav Tzvi Ashkenazi (Teshuvot Chacham Tzvi 167) disputes Rav Karo's ruling. He argues that the Mishnah's rule of maintaining the restrictions of the place that one left does not apply to the observance of Yom Tov Sheini by visitors to Israel. He explains that Yom Tov Sheini differs from regular customs, which theoretically apply anywhere, because it is geographically linked to the Diaspora. While the residents of a particular community normally develop its customs, Yom Tov Sheini was instituted for the physical area of the Diaspora. However, when one is in Israel, he is in a place where Yom Tov Sheini has no meaning, regardless of where he normally resides. Only other customs, which could theoretically exist even where they are not practiced, is it reasonable for someone who always did them in his community to observe them while visiting elsewhere. According to the Chacham Tzvi, a visitor in Israel is prohibited from observing Yom Tov Sheini lest he violate the prohibition of Bal Tosif (adding to the Torah's precepts). Although the Chacham Tzvi is the minority view on this issue, his position has attracted some support from other authorities (Shulchan Aruch Harav 496:11 and Teshuvot Sho'eil Umeishiv 3:2:28). The Chacham Tzvi’s logic only holds while a visitor to Israel is in Israel. Once he leaves Israel, they must observe the second day of Yom Tov. Likewise, according to the Chacham Tzvi, an Israeli visitor to the Diaspora should fully observe Yom Tov Sheini, as one's permanent residence is irrelevant.
Shabbat 118b – Halachah Based on One’s Location
The Gemara (Shabbat 118b) praises those who begin Shabbat in Tiberius and those who end Shabbat in Tzippori (located in the lower Galilee, almost at a midpoint between Haifa and Tiberius). Rashi (ad. loc. s.v. MiMachnisei) explains that Tiberius lies at a low altitude, and the sun appears to set early there, so its residents begin Shabbat early. Tzippori, on the other hand, rests on a mountain where the sun seems to set late, and its residents observe Shabbat until quite late (Tiberius lies approximately 200 meters below sea level, and Tzippori lies about 270 meters above sea level).
Rav Akiva Eiger (Gilyon HaShas ad. loc.) cites a responsum of the Ri Migash (number 45) who explains that the praise refers specifically to those who begin Shabbat in Tiberius and walk on Shabbat to Tzippori and complete the Shabbat in Tzippori. The Ri Migash clarifies that Tzippori is within the Techum Shabbat (Shabbat boundary where one can walk on Shabbat) of Tiberius. One can walk from Tiberius to Tzippori in one day, although it would be challenging since he would be walking uphill.
The people who begin Shabbat in Tiberius and end it in Tzippori deserve praise because they place themselves in a situation in which they would be obligated to observe Shabbat longer (in general, Halachah encourages us to create situations where we are compelled to perform a Mitzvah, such as the practice of men to wear a four-cornered garment that requires Tzitzit, see Menachot 41a and Tosafot Pesachim 113b s.v. VeEin Lo).
Thus, even if one is a resident of Tzippori, if he is in Tiberius, he must accept Shabbat when it begins in Tiberius, even though it has not yet started in Tzippori. Conversely, a Tiberius resident in Tzippori must wait until Tzeit HaKochavim in Tzippori to end Shabbat even though Shabbat has already ended in Tiberius. Contemporary Poskim apply this principle, which is widely accepted. For example, one ends and begins Shabbat according to Yerushalayim's time when visiting the Holy City, even if he lives in New York. Similarly, Rav Moshe Feinstein (Teshuvot Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 3:96) writes, “One Halachic status in an airplane is that which he would be if he were located on the ground beneath where he is flying.”
Yevamot 33a - Entering Yom Tov Sheini in Progress
Moreover, one undoubtedly enters Shabbat or Yom Tov “in progress.” We derive this point from Yevamot 33a, which addresses a young person reaching puberty on Shabbat. The Gemara teaches that even if this occurs during Shabbat, the obligation to observe Shabbat is now in full adult force. Similarly, even if one begins observing a Chol day in Eretz Yisrael, he can enter Yom Tov Sheini if he leaves Eretz Yisrael.
Similarly, Yom Tov Sheni Ke’Hilchato (4:6) asserts that one’s status regarding Yom Tov observance can change mid-day. He notes that most poskim rule that one who, mid-day of Yom Tov Sheini decides to make Aliyah changes his status and ceases to observe Yom Tov. Similarly, those who leave Israel in the middle of the day must observe Yom Tov Sheini.
Accordingly, even if one follows the Chacham Tzvi and Shulchan Aruch HaRav’s view of observing one day of Yom Tov, the moment a plane leaves Eretz Yisrael’s airspace, a Diaspora resident reverts to Yom Tov. Accordingly, one cannot use the restrooms on a plane since they are all electronic. The situation becomes unbearable for those flying west, and Yom Tov endures the remainder of the flight. In addition, since one entered Yom Tov, all its obligations apply, including reciting Hallel, Mussaf, and Kiddush and eating a Se’udah. On Pesach’s eighth day, he may not eat Chametz. Passports, boarding passes, and other items (such as phones) people bring on a flight are Muktzah. Most importantly, they are forbidden to fill out the customs forms required to enter the country of entry.
Moreover, spending Yom Tov on a flight is incompatible with the obligation to enjoy the day (Simchat Yom Tov). Thus, taking such a flight violates Shabbat 19a and Shulchan Aruch 248:1-2, forbidding us from placing ourselves in a situation where we will not enjoy Shabbat or Yom Tov. Therefore, the Bi’ur Halachah (404:1 s.v. V’Ein) codifies Teshuvot Chatam Sofer (6:96) that one may not board a train before Shabbat if he will remain on board on Shabbat. Similarly, Rav Moshe Feinstein (Teshuvot Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 3:96) writes, “One should not travel on an airplane even if it takes off before Shabbat begins and lands after Shabbat ends.”
We acknowledge that there is a small minority of Poskim who believe that the Yom Tov Sheini restrictions do not apply to Diaspora while they are in the air. However, even these Poskim believe that Yom Tov Sheini takes effect after landing in Chutz LaAretz. Passengers must observe Yom Tov Sheini and may not leave the airport after landing.
One wonders how these Poskim permit placing oneself in a situation where he will spend time in the airport on Yom Tov, which is most incompatible with observing and enjoying the holy day. Moreover, how do they recommend handling Muktzah items airplane passengers carry after landing, such as a passport? These unresolvable questions lead us to conclude that even according to the minority view, since it is impractical to observe Yom Tov after landing, one may not board a flight in Israel on Yom Tov Sheini.
The Conduct of Bnei Eretz Yisrael who arrive in Jewish Communities on Yom Tov Sheni
Even according to the position of Rav Yosef Karo, a permanent resident of Israel may not perform any prohibited activities publicly on the second festival day in the Diaspora when they have entered a city with a Jewish population (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 496:3). As a result, a Ben Eretz Yisrael must wait until the conclusion of Yom Tov Sheini before departing the airport and traveling into the city. Lamentably, some Diaspora residents have taken the liberty to travel into the city after landing, adding another reason for Bnei Chutz La’aretz to refrain from boarding a flight on Yom Tov Sheini.
Conclusion
Diaspora residents should not board a flight in Israel on Yom Tov Sheini. Chabad Poskim forbid boarding a plane even though they follow the Shulchan Aruch HaRav’s ruling to observe one day of Yom Tov in Israel. Rav Schachter and Rav Willig told us that Diaspora residents should not board a flight on Yom Tov Sheini. Rav Shmuel Khoshkerman said to us that Sephardic Poskim also forbid Diaspora residents who observe one day in Israel, such as young men and women of marriageable age (according to Sephardic tradition), from flying on Yom Tov Sheini.
We acknowledge that many well-meaning observant Jews may have inadvertently flown on such flights. We do not see their actions as intentional violations of Halachah – but as an unfortunate consequence of erroneously seeing the legitimate practice of Bnei Eretz Yisrael who adopt the position of Rav Yosef Karo and leave Israel on the second day of Yom Tov.
Although Yom Tov Sheini flights are convenient and often cost-saving, one should savor the extra time in Eretz Yisrael and wait until the day ends before boarding a flight leaving Israel. To paraphrase Mishlei 24:25, may those who heed this call be blessed.