[Avodah] Definition of a Mechalel Shabbos Befarhesya

[Rabbi Meir G. Rabi via Avodah]

Is it not true that the status of a Mechalel Shabbos BeFarhesya is not so
much a reflection upon the actual Aveira but upon the mindset?

The guy who smokes at home during Shabbos is ashamed to publicly display
his mutiny - at some level there is a degree of respect for Shabbos,
although it may well be the smaller part of his motivation.

Whereas the guy who walks down the street on Shabbos, smoking a cigar, is
not just satisfying an urge, or even rebelling between himself and HKBH, he
is wanting to publicly display his disdain for Torah and Mitzvos.

This however would only be true where pretty much the entire town are
ShShabbos.

Where a significant proportion are not ShShabbos, it cannot be
characterised as being rebellious. Eating Maccas is not an act of
rebellion, walking into the packed Shule with a Maccas pack is an act of
rebellion.

These days most non Frum Yidden do not see driving during Shabbos or eating
Maccas as an act of rebellion - they look at the Frummies waking to Shule
in the rain and the heat the way others look at the Chassidim wearing their
extravagant dress code - it is quaint but actually has little to do with
being loyal to HKBH


Best,

Meir G. Rabi
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