All the Melachos of Ochel Nefesh were only permitted to be performed for the need of the eating of a Jew. It is however [Biblically] forbidden to perform Melacha of Ochel Nefesh for the sake of feeding a gentile or animal.[1] This applies even to animals that are dependent on […]
What is Machshirei Ochel Nefesh that may not be done on Yom Tov:
Meleches Ochel Nefesh may only be done if it is not defined as Machshirei Ochel Nefesh, or is defined as Machshirei Ochel Nefesh but could not have been done before Yom Tov.[1] This means that food related Melacha may only be done if one’s body receives direct benefit from the […]
4. Guests for Yom Tov
The Mitzvah: When one eats and drinks on Yom Tov, he is obligated to feed converts, orphans and widows, amongst all other unfortunate paupers. One who locks the doors of his home and eats and drinks with his wife and kids alone and does not feed give drink the paupers […]
3. Eating meat on Yom Tov
Although there is not an obligation to eat meat on Yom Tov nevertheless there is a [Biblical[1]] Mitzvah for one to do so. Q&A Is one to eat animal meat to fulfill this Mitzvah or does poultry also suffice?[2] The Mitzvah is to eat specifically animal meat. One does […]
2. Simcha on Yom Tov
The Mitzvah:[1] It is a Biblical positive command and obligation for one to rejoice and be of happy spirit throughout all days of Yom Tov, including Chol Hamoed, with exception to Rosh Hashana.[2] This obligation applies to oneself, his wife, his children and his entire household [even non-relatives[3]]. The head […]
1. Mitzvah of Eating on Yom Tov
It is a positive command[1] to eat and drink during the festivals. Bread:[2] One is obligated to eat a meal of bread on Yom Tov. Lechem Mishneh:[3] One is obligated to recite Hamotzi over two whole loaves of bread [i.e. Lechem Mishnah] during the [two] meals of Yom Tov. […]
11. Tasting the foods on Erev Yom Tov
One is to taste the Shabbos foods on Erev Yom Tov [to see if they need anything added to them in order to ensure their tastiness[1]]. [Nevertheless, this was not seen to be the custom of the Previous Rebbe.[2]] It is proper to taste each and every dish of food.[3] […]
10. Setting the table for Yom Tov
When to set the table:[1] One[2] is to set up the Yom Tov table [including its chairs[3]] on Erev Yom Tov in preparation for the Yom Tov night meal.[4] [The silverware and plates are to be clean and polished for the meal.[5] There is no need, however, to set up […]
9. Sharpening knives on Erev Yom Tov
One is to beware to sharpen the [kitchen and eating] knives every Erev Shabbos, as preparing oneself for eating is included within the honor of Shabbos.[1] In addition, [at times] one needs to sharpen the knives for the sake of Shalom Bayis [marital harmony], such as if the blade has […]
8. Baking Challahs for Yom Tov
One is to bake Challahs for Yom Tov which will be used for Lechem Mishneh and is not to buy them at the bakery as is done during the week. This matter of baking one’s own Challah is included in the honoring of Yom Tov. One is not to divert […]
