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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 (656)
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).
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
