Shabbat and soccer are two festivities that normally wouldn’t be grouped together. Though, as soccer is growing more popular in Israel, its overlap with shabbat has become a concern for religious Jews. Soccer games in Israel are broadcasted at 3 PM which means they often end after shabbat has started. This is a problem for religious Jews because they are unable to watch the games due to the fact it is against Halacha to use electricity on Shabbat. Religious Jew who attend the games often have to leave at halftime because they are also unable to drive on Shabbat. It is unfair and rude for Religious Jews to have to choose between celebrating shabbat and watching a soccer game. Obviously most will choose to celebrate shabbat, but it is a decision they shouldn't be faced with. Ideally, it would be best to make the game times earlier, but due to scheduling and money that is not an option. I feel, just as I get upset when I go to Tel Aviv on the weekends and all stores are closed, Religious Jews have a right to be upset that they are unable to attend and watch soccer games. I think it is necessary to find a balance between being fair to religious Jews and the rest of Am Yisrael.
Also, there is a another issue for Religious Jews who are soccer players. They either often have to miss practices or games, or are unable to celebrate Shabbat. The article told the story of one soccer player who sleeps in a separate hotel so he is able to walk to games instead of taking the bus. I found it almost funny how this player was going out his way to not break Jewish law, but just by playing the soccer game, he is breaking one of the biggest rules, working on shabbat. He said being a soccer player is still his job, and his way of making a living. This brings up the question, are we allowed to pick and choose which Jewish Laws we follow? This is a question we have discussed numerous times in class, and I am still eager to finding the answer too.
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