Q&A: Marathon on Friday
Marathon on Friday
Question
Hello Rabbi, is it proper/permitted for me, as a yeshiva student, to participate in the Jerusalem Marathon, when it is clear to me that I will encounter sights that will most likely lead me to sinful thoughts? Thank you very much.
Answer
If it is clear that this will lead you to a prohibition, then it is not proper. Though on the formal halakhic level one could debate the rule of “it is unavoidable and not intended.”
Discussion on Answer
Rabbi Hasdai Crescas explains in his book Or Hashem, in the essay on free choice, that “sinful thought” means a decision to commit a transgression.
If you want, you can donate something to that organization instead of participating. I don’t think it’s significant for the decision.
I didn’t understand the second question/comment.
Hello Rabbi, what about a case where I don’t think, or am fairly sure, that it will not lead me to sinful thoughts? What is the definition of sinful thought in general?
Thank you.
I wrote that if not, then in my opinion there is no prohibition.
A thought that arouses sexual feelings in you. Actually leading to action is, simply put, an indication—a sign, not the cause. But that can be further debated.
Does it carry any weight that the run is for the benefit of a charity organization?
And also, what is clear to me is that I have no way of avoiding some kind of improper thought during the entire marathon. Nothing significant.