Question: Can Conservative Jews participate in sports on Shabbat?
Dear Rabbi,
My family and I are Shomer Shabbat (observe the Jewish Sabbath). However, growing up I did not keep Shabbat, and I played a lot of sports on Saturday. I am concerned that my children will be missing out by not getting to play the competitive team sports like I did now that we observe Sabbath laws. According to Conservative Judaism, is it permissible for my children to play competitive sports on Shabbat?
Thanks, Bill
Answer: Dear Bill,
Thanks for writing. First, I encourage you to speak with your Rabbi about this matter and other matters of Jewish law.
Please understand that I share your own sense of the importance of sports. In high school and college I participated in sports and I am still - to the best of my knowledge - the only Rabbi ordained in North America to have held a national championship and record in a NCAA sport - archery! And I taught archery at Camps Ramah for seven years to literally hundreds of campers of all ages. I encourage the children to both get involved with their school teams AND to respect Jewish holidays and Shabbat. So I share your enthusiasm for the self-discipline, the physical fitness, etc. that sports participation can bring one.
In my own Shomer Shabbat family, one of my children wanted to play team sports. We found a compromise that worked for us. We allowed him to walk to school where he kept his equipment. He would play, change and return home. Mornings at shul and afternoons at games. Most interesting, the coaches respected his personal and our family discipline - especially the Christian coaches.
Was this a perfect solution? Probably not. Organized sports are not consistent with the spirit of Shabbat, but all of us try to work out the challenge of living with one foot in modernity and one foot in tradition.
Another better alternative in which I have participated over the years is to help the Jewish community develop Sunday sports leagues to satisfy those who want organized sports - synagogue, youth group, etc. teams. Perhaps your JCC will also help facilitate such a program.
However, please understand that Conservative Judaism as such will not invalidate Shabbat and Jewish law simply to facilitate our wants and desires. Family activities are wonderful, but I would start now to begin to offer alternatives before the real confrontation between parents and children might arise.
Lastly, once again, turn to your Rabbi for advice and guidance on what is and what is not appropriate for your children within the community programs.
Best wishes and good luck,
Rabbi Dov
