Welcoming Shabbat on a Tree during Shabbat
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Question
Rabbi, we wanted to perform Kabbalat Shabbat on a tree, it sounded very special to us. We knew it was forbidden and that it was not right because, although we would ascend before sunset, the Kabbalat Shabbat would end deep into Shabbat. But we couldn't resist, and afterwards we regretted it greatly, realizing it wasn't worth approaching Hashem in such a way. There was a debate about whether it is permissible to descend from the tree or if one must remain there until the end of Shabbat. We wanted to know what we should have actually done?
Answer
Shalom Rav, in this case, you acted improperly by ascending on Friday with the intention to descend on Shabbat. Opinions are divided on whether it is permissible to descend from the tree on Shabbat in such a case, but the practical halacha is that it is permitted to descend from the tree on Shabbat.
Source
Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim, Siman 336, סעיף 1).