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Answer: The gemara (Shabbat 155a) says that one may not "use," including by leaning on, a tree, as well as something that is connected or supported by a tree (e.g., a nail, rope, ladder) on Shabbat. Therefore, it is forbidden to lie on a hammock if it is tied to the tree directly; it is permitted if the hammock is attached to something connected to the tree (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 336:13). (Many hammocks come with parts in a manner that it is not obvious if it is considered one apparatus connected to the tree, or that one piece is connected to the tree and the main part of the hammock is twice removed and permitted.) Also, the lying on the hammock must not make the tree(s) move (Mishna Berura 336:63).
Hanging a tree-attached hammock, even to something already attached to the tree, will be a violation. Lying in one hung before Shabbat will depend whether the hammock is tied to the tree, or to something attached to the tree, and on the strength of the tree and weight of the person. These issues are not a problem for a hammock that is attached to a frame.
Is hanging the hammock considered making an ohel? Since a hammock is mainly horizontal, it is a candidate for ohel, which can be forbidden to erect even if it does not connect to a vertical wall (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 315:1). However, it is permitted to erect a temporary horizontal structure if it is not done to protect that which is below it unless it connects to vertical walls/boards (ibid. 3; Rama ibid. 7). A hammock connected to mere trees/poles would not have that problem.
A net-style hammock may have another reason to not have a problem of ohel. It is permitted to hang a material that has more "air" than fabric (Tosafot, Eruvin 102a; see R. Akiva Eiger, OC 315:2). This may be the case with a net fabric for a hammock, while on the other hand, the fabric of some hammocks gathers together when no one is in the hammock. In the latter case, it might be more fabric than air.
Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions (654)
Rabbi Daniel Mann
575 - Ask the Rabbi: When Should an Onen Recite Havdala?
576 - Ask the Rabbi: Hanging and Using Hammocks on Shabbat
577 - Ask the Rabbi: Things that End the Meal and Ramifications
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Still, we cannot give broad permission to hang hammocks on Shabbat because the potential of other problems exists. In some models, there is a need or a likelihood of tying forbidden knots. Attaching the hammock to different types of frames can potentially be forbidden due to boneh or tikkun kli (different forms of forbidden building). Various parameters determine when an attachment is forbidden, and some of the major factors are: the connection’s strength, the expected or standard duration of the connection, and whether it is attached to something that is attached to the ground (see our Ask the Rabbi column for Va’ethchanan 5784). These can depend on the model and on how an individual makes and uses it. We would therefore expect someone (unless he is capable of working out the halachic calculations of his specific case) to put up the hammock before Shabbat if he will want to use it. It will then be permitted to use it in most cases (as we explained above).
Rabbis in Midrash
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
